Uvulectomy is the surgical removal of the uvula. The uvula is the small piece of soft tissue that hangs from the soft palate in the back of the throat. An enlarged or elongated uvula can cause problems such as snoring, sleep apnea, and difficulty swallowing.
Uvulectomy is performed under general anesthesia. This procedure removes or reduces the uvula and the incision is closed with dissolving sutures.
Following surgery, there can be a mild sore throat for up to one week. Snoring, sleep apnea, and difficulty swallowing improves because the airways are no longer obstructed.