Sleep Apnea (OSA) Surgery

What is UPPP?

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty surgically widens the upper airway by removing the tonsils and reshaping the soft palate and uvula. For carefully selected patients with retropalatal obstruction, it can significantly reduce sleep apnea severity when CPAP is not tolerated.

Why China?

• Cost: $3,500-$6,500 vs. $10,000-$25,000 in the US
• DISE-guided selection: Drug-induced sleep endoscopy improves patient selection
• Multilevel approach: Combined palate + tongue-base + maxillomandibular advancement available
• Hypoglossal nerve stimulator: Inspire device available at select centers

Who is a candidate?

• Moderate-severe OSA (AHI ≥15) intolerant or refusing CPAP
• Friedman stage I-II (palate-level obstruction confirmed)
• BMI <32 (better outcomes)
• Tonsil hypertrophy or elongated soft palate

Outcomes

Surgical success (AHI <20 + 50% reduction): 35-50% UPPP alone, 60-70% multilevel. Cure (AHI <5): 15-25%. Significant snoring reduction: 80-90%. Pain: severe for 2-3 weeks.