Surgical treatment for sleep apnea involves removing soft tissue from the back of the throat.  A common procedure that can be performed in the office is uvulectomy.  This is sometimes performed in conjunction with the Pillar Procedure, if the doctor feels it is necessary, to attain maximum results.  A more invasive surgical procedure called  Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is performed in an operating room setting.  It requires general anesthesia and usually presents a difficult two week recovery period.  Studies show that the UPPP is only effective in about 50%-60% of the patients.