Has anybody ever had thier uvula removed or cut?

[lynseylyn]

I dont know what to do.. My doctor seems a little enthusiastic to cut my uvula.  It does cause me problems, but reading the post on the surgery, I am not sure weather to get a second opinion, or go with it? It seems like he's eager to cut whatever to make some money as long as insurance will pay. If insurance will pay for it, do I  have it cut or not?

[helpme2133]

About 8 years ago I had my atnoids taken out and my uvula lazered to tighten it up.  Everyone is stoked I did it cause now I don't snore at all.  I don't think he cut it though cause its still there hanging

[KatEyes]

These days IF a person is a candidate for surgery, the uvula surgery is increasingly more often not for removal but a revision. I've known at least 4 people personally and talked to several others who regretted having their uvula removed. They have problems with not being able to manage sinus drainage and some with swallowing.

There are times when surgery can help snoring or mild sleep apnea, but all those I know personally and all I have talked to except one still had sleep apnea after surgery. If your doctor is an ENT, they will likely recommend surgery on your throat. If a doctor is a pulmonologist, they'll likely recommend cpap treatment. If the doctor is a dentist, they will likely recommend an oral device. After all, it is their field of expertise. I suggest you do your own research and get a second opinion with a different type doctor. And start asking people if they know someone who had the surgery and what their satisfaction level is.

Keep in mind, your circumstance will differ from those people, and only you know what your sleep study showed like if there is OSA, and how severe it is. For moderate OSA, the success rate of surgery goes down. For severe OSA, I doubt it would even be recommended.

Elective surgery is that because it's your choice. Just please don't let the treatment of sleep apnea be elective. My health went to h**l in a handbasket while I kept putting off doing anything. I'm now on cpap and after a period of considerable adjustment am doing well. Consider that my opinion may be slanted because of the difference cpap treatment has made in my life the comfortable safe restful sleep it affords me.

[Dr_Smita_S]

Hi
I am assuming that you have sleep apnea which is severe enough to cause symptoms which are interfering with normal life or leading to systemic disorders such as hypertension.

Have you tried all the lifestyle modifications for the management of sleep apnea?

There are many surgical options available for sleep apnea and the ‘right’ one depends upon the type of airway and the level of obstruction that you have. You should get a second opinion and discuss all the pros and cons of the surgery as not all the procedures for sleep apnea are effective in treating the symptoms.
One reference quotes the effectiveness of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, or UPPP procedure, as 40.7% (http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/osa.html)

Take care and do write in if you need more information.
Regards