Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty complications and avoidance strategies.

Reports of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty complications were elicited from 72 locations in the United States. We asked physicians to report all complications that had occurred in the 9 years since the operation was introduced. Sixteen fatalities were reported; respiratory distress was the most common cause. Forty-six cases of nasopharyngeal stenosis were reported and 42 cases of palatal incompetence were reported. Hemorrhages and wound dehiscences were also reported. A retrospective analysis of the complications was made and diagnostic-therapeutic strategies are discussed with respect to prevention of complications.