What are the risks of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) surgery for snoring?

Complications during UPPP surgery include accidental damage to surrounding blood vessels or tissues.

Complications after surgery may include:

• Sleepiness and periods when breathing stops (sleep apnea), both related to the medicine (anesthesia) that made you sleep during surgery.
• Swelling, pain, infection and bleeding.
• A sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
• Drainage of secretions into the nose and a nasal quality to the voice. Speech may be affected by this surgery.
• Narrowing of the airway in the nose and throat.