Uvulectomy

A uvulectomy is the surgical removal of the suspended soft tissue in the back of the throat (called the uvula) for purposes of expanding the airway. This may be performed in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, and should reduce a patient’s snoring while increasing the flow of oxygen to the body during sleep. It is a quick, outpatient procedure that is not a “cure” for sleep apnea per se, but can be beneficial for certain patients. Surgeons who specialize in this procedure can also perform a “partial uvulectomy,” where just a portion of the soft tissue is removed. Patients undergoing a uvulectomy can expect to experience some pain in the first 7-10 days following their procedure.