The uvula and portions of the soft palate are removed. The tonsils are removed if they are still present and are even slightly enlarged. This surgery can be done with a laser or electrocautery. Both methods have similar success rates. The main complication is pain.
Patients are very sore afterwards for two to three weeks.
The other complication as mentioned above is that the obstructive sleep apnea is cured in only slightly more than half of the cases. This is usually temporary. The purpose of this website is only to provide information and links regarding Ear, Nose, and Throat disorders. This information should serve as only an adjunct to and not a substitute for visiting an actual physician.