[Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: safety managements and causes of failure].

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty operations on 250 patients were reported. The safety managements and failing causes of UPPP were discussed. Safety managements included 5 aspects: 1. using-local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia; 2. intraoperative monitor ECG, blood pressure and oxygen saturation; 3. tracheotomy should be performed in the severe cases before UPPP; 4. preoperative physician consultation if patients complicated with cardiopulmonary problems; 5. separated nasal and UPPP operations into two stages. Failing causes included 4 aspects: 1. improper indication; 2. polyplace obstruction, specially hypopharyngeal obstruction; 3. postoperative local hemorrhage and infection; 4. the experience and the skill of the surgeon.