How Uvulectomy Can Treat Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Do you suffer from chronic snoring and/or sleep apnea? If so, a uvulectomy may be for you.

Uvulectomy is a procedure in which the uvula is removed from the back of the throat. It is a fairly simple procedure, often used to treat patients who suffer from sleep apnea due to excessively snoring.

Millions of people suffer from chronic snoring, but treatments are widely available. Uvulectomy is a surgery to meant relieve snoring. In many cases, this simple procedure completely cures a person of snoring, and in most other cases, it diminishes snoring considerably. As many as 85% of patients with a severe snoring problem can benefit from a uvulectomy.

Benefits of Uvulectomy

One of the key benefits of uvulectomy (on top of its effectiveness with chronic snoring)  is that the procedure may lessen the symptoms of sleep apnea. Patients with this condition have difficulty breathing while asleep, in some cases because of the presence of too much tissue in the back of the throat. The removal of the uvula and some of the tissue on the soft palate can open up the breathing passageway.  It should be noted that uvulectomy is not  a cure for sleep apnea, but it can relieve some of the symptoms.

Is Uvulectomy Right for You?

Though a uvulectomy does not pose many risks, it does alter the the inside of the patient’s mouth permanently. For the most part, patients do not miss the presence of the uvula. In some patients, however, the procedure can prevent a person from making certain sounds and can also eliminate the gag reflex.

Dr. Nguyen’s 10+ years of experience has made him an expert regarding uvulectomy and will be able to advise if this procedure is right for you. Although alternative solutions have been proven effective for chronic snoring, uvulectomies have certain advantages that may be favorable to many patients.

What to Expect with a Uvulectomy

Uvulectomy typically follows a 4 step process:

  1. The back of the mouth is anesthetized with topical 4% lidocaine.
  2. The uvula region is injected with a local anesthetic.
  3. Using electrocautery, the uvula is literally cut off. Electrocautery is used since it both cuts and stops bleeding simultaneously. Almost no bleeding occurs with this procedure.
  4. As the area heals, there will be a whitish appearing eschar or scab. This is normal. This usually takes about 3-4 weeks to completely heal.

Where Can Houston Residents Get a Uvulectomy?

Make an appointment with Dr. Nguyen today to determine if a uvulectomy is right for you, and get the relief you need. So book an assessment  or contact our Houston clinic, and treat your chronic snoring today!

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