Longest Uvula I have ever seen
Case Report
The patient (seen in picture) came with getting up while asleep, after coughing and choking, but no true OSA. It was bothering him for many years.
On examination, his Uvula is very elongated, Flexible endoscopy showed the uvula extending below the epiglottis and reaching the glottic chink.
It was removed under Local anesthesia using Co2 Laser.
Uvulectomy
The uvula is the conic projection from the posterior edge of the middle of the soft palate, composed of connective tissue containing a number of racemose glands, and muscle tissue.
It has some function in speech articulation –making guttural fricative sounds-In Hebrew and African languages only.
I think it is a vestigial organ, main culprit in snoring although this is not an intended function. It vibrates vigorously in those that snore and is partly responsible for the rough sound during snoring.
Removal of the uvula is often performed to treat snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea. It is often performed in conjunction with tonsillectomy and trimming of the soft palate.
Uvulectomy as a ritual
It is common practice in many parts of Africa for traditional healers to remove the uvula to prevent infections and other disorders associated with the throat.
Dr Paulose is an ENT Consultant Plastic and Laser Surgeon with over 35 years of experience covering in Ear, Nose and Throat procedures, specializing in Laser Surgery and conventional medicine across India, U.K. and Middle East. He is currently engaged with the Jubilee Hospital, in Kerala, India.
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