A Reversible Uvulopalatal Flap for Snoring and Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Comparison of Two Techniques in Simple Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Patients: Palatal Implant or Uvulopalatal Flap

“…The technique is reversible and causes a lesser degree of tissue loss and besides, it has fewer complications. Additionally, as no muscle lacerations are made, a complication such as postoperative bleeding does not occur (11,12). As the mentioned technique is a mucosalrelated technique, no speech or swallowing disorders were observed.…”

“…Instead, the Pillar Palatal Implant technique was done under local anesthesia to patients who did not show any signs of retropalatal obstruction. Operations were applied according to a classic route (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12).…”

“…The uvulopalatal flap (UPF) technique was first described by Powell in 1993 (11). The UPF technique is a reversible modification of the pharyngopluvulopalatoasty technique.…”

“…Repositioning and stabilizing the uvula with an uvulopalatal flap creates an opening between the postnasal spin and soft palate. Furthermore, the UPF allows the opening of the retropalatal airway, and reduces soft palate vibration and snoring by shortening and tightening the soft palate (11,12). The technique is a reliable and effective and can be implemented in a short time under general anesthesia; it does not require expensive surgical appliances.…”

Non-positive airway pressure therapy for obstructive sleep apnea

“…The uvulopalatal flap is created by removal of the oral mucosa and salivatory glands, and bilateral incisions into the posterior pillar. This flap is rotated upwards and sutured into the defect [160]. The main disadvantage of this technique compared to UPPP is that despite preservation of all muscles no visible uvula is left to act as a lubricating structure for the palate.…”