We do use Radiofrequency procedures for the tongue , in patients with sleep apnea, who have had the appropriate UPP procedure, and continue to have sleep apnea. This is usually reimbursible. UPPP, introduced by Fujita in the late 1970's, for over a decade has been the mainstay in the surgical treatment of OSAS and severe snoring. Thousands of patients have been effectively treated with this technique. There are a few patients who do not experience a significant correction of the OSAS, and they may need to undergo other surgical methods.
Most people do, however, experience an improvement in their sleep patterns and overall daily life.
The UPPP is performed in the main surgical suites at UCI Medical Center, under general anesthesia, and typically requires an overnight hospital stay for observation. Postoperatively, patients typically experience a sore throat and some difficulty swallowing which may last as long as 10 - 14 days, although most patients find they can return to work after only a few days' recuperation. Of course, improvements in our management of postoperative pain have made this procedure much less traumatic than what their experience may have been even a few years ago.