UPPP for snoring: long-term results and patient satisfaction

We retrospectively survey 57 patients who underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) because of habitual snoring over a five-year period. A total of 100 patients were sent questionnaires concerning persistent snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), body mass index (BMI) and postoperative complications. After 5 years the success rate was 53%. The mean snoring score was 16.7 preoperatively and decreased to 10.6 postoperatively. There was a relationship between the body mass index (BMI) preoperatively and the efficiency of the surgery. The mean EDS score was 11.1 before and 9.4 after surgery. UPPP in patients complaining of snoring is quite successful but the results decline significantly with time and patients should be warned of the possibility of snoring remaining or returning.