Modified Palatopharyngoplasty Techniques: Why and How

Saturday, October 17, 2026

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM PT

Location: 403B

Moderator(s)

Thomas M. Kaffenberger, MD

Physician
University of Pittsburgh Department of Otolaryngology
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Panelist(s)

LC

Lyndon Chan, MBBS FRACS MBA

Doctor
Royal Australian College of Surgeons, New South Wales, Australia
MD

Megan L. Durr, MD

Professor
University of California San Francisco
San Francisco, CA, United States
RN

Ryan S. Nord, MD

Professor
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA, United States

Disclosure(s):

Megan L. Durr, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Ryan S. Nord, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

This panel will review the evolution from traditional UPPP to modern reconstructive palatopharyngoplasty techniques and their continued relevance in a sleep surgery practice. Attendees will learn the evidence supporting modified approaches, including data on improved outcomes and reduced complications. Expert surgeons will demonstrate their preferred methods for expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty, barbed suture reposition pharyngoplasty, and Australian modified UPPP with practical tips for adoption. Case-based discussion will illustrate patient selection and the value of palate surgery. Attendees will leave equipped to counsel patients on expected outcomes and integrate these techniques into comprehensive sleep surgery practice.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the history of UPPP and updated evidence on health risk reduction and outcomes with palatopharyngoplasty surgeries.
Learn the value of modified and modern pharyngoplasty techniques including improved effectiveness and reduced surgical comorbidities
Understand the steps and technique of the three modern pharyngoplasty techniques: expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty, barbed suture reposition pharyngoplasty, and Australian modified UPPP.