Before-surgery guide
Getting Ready for Uvulectomy
Quick answer: A partial uvulectomy removes part of the uvula, the small piece of tissue that hangs at the back of the throat. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes in our office under local anesthesia. When it is done for snoring, we strongly recommend a sleep study first. Expect moderate to severe throat pain afterward, controlled with acetaminophen and ibuprofen or a stronger prescribed medicine if needed.
How is the procedure done?
- The uvula is the small, fleshy piece of tissue that hangs down from the back of the soft palate.
- A partial uvulectomy removes part of it using electrocautery. The rest of the uvula is left in place so it keeps working.
- It is most often done for snoring. It is sometimes done for other reasons, such as a growth on the uvula, a feeling of something stuck in the throat, or swelling of the uvula.
- It is done in our office under local anesthesia and takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
- If it is for snoring, we strongly recommend a sleep study first, to check for sleep apnea. A blocked nose often adds to snoring, and treating the palate alone will not fix snoring that comes from the nose.
Our uvulectomy page explains who the procedure helps.
What are the risks?
Every procedure has risks. We will go over them with you, and you can ask about any of them.
- Pain, bleeding and infection are risks of any procedure.
- Heavier bleeding is a small risk and may need more treatment to stop.
- Swelling after the procedure can briefly make breathing or swallowing harder.
- Throat discomfort can be temporary or, less often, last longer.
- Scarring or a change in the voice is rare.
How do I get ready?
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Before the procedure
- Give us a list of every medicine, vitamin and supplement you take.
- If you take aspirin or a blood thinner, tell us. Do not stop it on your own; we will tell you whether you need to.
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Eating and drinking
- You can eat and drink as usual on the day of the procedure.
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The day of the procedure
- Bring your photo ID, insurance card and list of medicines.
What should I have at home?
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), unless we told you not to take ibuprofen
- Cool, soft foods and plenty of fluids
What happens after the procedure?
- Expect moderate to severe throat pain. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin) usually control it, and a stronger prescribed medicine can be used if needed.
- Avoid hot or spicy foods for several days, because they can irritate the area.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and ease throat discomfort.
- Call us for trouble breathing, bleeding that does not stop, or severe pain.
When should I call before surgery?
Call us for
- You get sick in the days before the procedure
- You start a new medicine, or a doctor changes your blood thinner
- You have questions about the procedure or its risks, or you need to reschedule
Austin 512-339-4040 · Lakeway 512-682-4798 · Marble Falls 830-992-2830
Questions patients ask
Yes. A partial uvulectomy is done in our office under local anesthesia and takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
We strongly recommend one, to check for sleep apnea first. Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, which needs its own treatment.
Moderate to severe throat pain is common. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen usually control it, and a stronger prescribed medicine can be used if needed.
This guide is for educational purposes only and does not replace an in-person evaluation. If your surgeon gave you different instructions, follow theirs.