You should experience minimal effects after the surgery. If you have any concerns please read the information below or contact your Snore-Op consultant for further advice.

I have significant pain after surgery?

Take non-aspirin containing analgesics, such as Paracetamol, or stronger Panadeine, or stronger Tramadol. Paracetamol is available as a liquid. If there is worsening pain after the first day, this can be sign of secondary infection or ulceration. These complications are not common, but later development of pain requires a medical review and possibly treatment.

I have troublesome swelling of the uvula?

Be patient. It will usually begin to pass in 48 hours, sometimes a little longer

• Be sure to sleep with the head and shoulders elevated to reduce swelling and improve comfort.
• Suck ice and cool drinks
• Some find Anti-inflammatory oral spray ("Difflam") helps this. This can be taken in addition to the analgesics above.
• Gargling with a strong salt solution helps shrink swollen tissues
• Do not use your voice too much during the settling time

I have trouble swallowing?

Early on, difficulty initiating swallowing is caused by the local anaesthetic. This wears off in 1 to 2 hours. Later, difficulty might come from either discomfort, pain, or swelling. This phase rarely lasts more than two, sometimes three days, but in some may take a little longer to pass.

I develop a whitish patch on the surface of the palate?

This is usually a superficial burn, and is sometimes caused by tiny cracks in the Teflon near the surface of the palate. This can contribute to the discomfort, and is gone in a week or so.

I develop a white area on the palate which breaks down leaving an ulcer?

Ulcers can form when the blood vessel leading to the surface gets caught up in the radio frequency "burn". These ulcers do make things more uncomfortable, but ultimately heal perfectly well. Management in the meantime involves hot salt water (one teaspoon in half a cup of hot water) mouth rinses several times a day, as you would do if you had a tooth out. Palates heal very well. Very occasionally, ulcers can lead to small perforations.