Uvulectomy in the Office Setting

Abstract

Snoring is a common problem which affects 50% of male and 30% of female patients. 1 In a small number of patients, partial uvulopalatoplasty in the office setting has been found to ameliorate loud snoring. 2 In our study, 28 patients had uvulectomy for snoring, 17 of whom responded to our survey. The procedure was somewhat beneficial (rated 3.2 on a scale of 10, with 10 representing no snoring) and had little impact on quality of life (rated 2.7 on a scale of 10, with 10 representing great improvement). After the procedure patients had considerable pain (rated 7.4 on a scale of 10, with 10 representing excruciating pain) which lasted >10 days in 35% and led to a mean of 2.9 missed work days. There were no complications. Fourteen of 17 patients wanted additional treatment to reduce snoring.