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Published on: December 6, 2016
Modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in modern obstructive sleep apnea treatment: a narrative review
Thomas M Kaffenberger1,2, Ryan J Soose1, B Tucker Woodson3
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Study Objectives:
Obstructive sleep apnea is a prevalent disorder associated with significant health risks, often managed with continuous positive airway pressure. However, continuous positive airway pressure adherence remains suboptimal, prompting interest in surgical alternatives. Traditional uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), introduced in 1981, has demonstrated limited success and notable side effects, leading to skepticism regarding its utility in obstructive sleep apnea treatment. However, advancements in patient selection and surgical technique have led to the development of modified UPPP procedures, including expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty, barbed reposition pharyngoplasty, and the Australian modified UPPP.
Methods:
In this narrative review, we focus on the evolution of the palatal surgery field over the past 2 decades.
Results:
Recent randomized controlled trials and observational cohort studies have shown that modified UPPP variants can significantly reduce apnea-hypopnea index, improve symptoms, and even offer potential cardiovascular benefits. These reconstructive approaches have demonstrated consistently improved success rates, enhanced patient-reported outcomes, and reduced postoperative morbidity compared to traditional excisional UPPP.
Conclusions:
While controversies persist regarding patient selection, long-term durability, and the role of palate surgery in the era of hypoglossal nerve stimulation, emerging evidence supports modified UPPP as a viable alternative for appropriately selected patients with obstructive sleep apnea. This review underscores the evolution of palatal surgery, highlighting its role in a personalized, multimodal approach to obstructive sleep apnea management, particularly for continuous positive airway pressure-intolerant patients seeking durable and effective treatment.
Citation:
Kaffenberger TM, Soose RJ, Woodson BT, et al. Modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in modern obstructive sleep apnea treatment: a narrative review. J Clin Sleep Med. 2025;21(11):1979-1991.
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