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.