Does pharyngoplasty affect swallowing or taste?
The tissue in the throat is very delicate and quite sensitive. Traditional uvulopalatopharyngoplasty involves removal of the uvula and a portion of the soft palate, which can affect swallowing. A modification of the procedure preserves the uvula and the improvement of the airway is achieved by suturing the wound to stent the airway open, thus reducing collapse. Since most of the tissue in the throat is preserved, adverse effects on swallowing and taste are very rare.
