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Transpalatal Advancement Pharyngoplasty

For some patients the site of obstruction that may cause blockage as well as snoring at night may be the area behind the nose and upper throat. In the past, this area was only addressed through a major procedure called a maxillary advancement operation, which moves the whole upper jaw forward requiring major recovery, change in appearance, and discomfort. Dr. Pasha offers a new procedure that requires only an overnight stay and a much easier recovery. This procedure is called a Transpalatal Advancement Procedure.

Transpalatal Advancement Procedures create room in the upper portion of the back of the throat creating a more open airway to reduce snoring and apneas. The procedure removes a small portion of the back end of the hard palate (the hard palate is the hard part of the roof of your mouth). The soft palate is then advanced forward and slinged to raise and pull forward the back of the throat. This procedure is done while you are asleep in the operating room. Access is through the mouth without any outside scars. Your appearance does not change and no one should realize you had the operation aside for you not snoring.

Recovery is much easier than traditional advancement approaches and you may return to a normal diet much quicker. This procedure will be considered in certain patients after a comprehensive exam performed by Dr. Pasha.

FAQ about Transpalatal Advancement Pharyngoplasty

This procedure sounds like a major operation?

Patients are often surprised when they are told that the case typically can be completed within an hour. The risks of bleeding are much less than a tonsillectomy and the recovery time and discomfit is remarkable less than traditional bony advancement and soft palate reconstruction techniques.

What is recovery like?

For most, you will require an overnight stay in the hospital. In the morning if you are tolerating diet and are comfortable you may go home. For a week or two you should limit your diet to soft foods as your palate heals. If you work or go to school, you should plan 7-10 days off of work to allow for a comfortable recovery.

During your recovery you will be given pain medications as well as antibiotics to prevent an infection.

How do I know if I am a candidate for transpalatal advancement procedures?

This procedure is very specific for patients who snore or obstruct in the area in the upper portion of the back of the throat. One cannot view this area by just looking in a mirror. You require a more detailed inspection in the office by Dr. Pasha.

What are the risks of the procedure?

Transpalatal procedures are not high-risk operations. As with any sleep apnea procedure failure is a possibility, as no guarantee can be made for any snoring/sleep apnea operation.

The risk of bleeding is much less than traditional soft palatal surgery. The risk of velopalatine insufficiency (VPI) in which liquids or air escapes through the nose is possible but again less likely than removing the soft palate and tonsils.

Because an incision is made on the roof of the mouth there is a possibility that the wound can break down. If this occurs one can develop a fistula or an opening from the mouth to the back of the nose. If this happens, typically it resolves on its own as it heals.

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