Differences in velopharyngeal pressures during speech sound production in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and healthy individuals.

Background: During articulation the velopharynx needs to be opened and closed rapidly and a tight closure is needed. Based on the hypothesis that patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) produce lower pressures in the velopharynx than healthy individuals, this study compared pressure profiles of the velopharyngeal closure during articulation of different sounds between healthy participants and patients with surgically closed unilateral CLP (UCLP) using high resolution manometry (HRM). Materials and methods: Ten healthy adult volunteers (group 1: 20-25.5 years) and ten patients with a non-syndromic surgically reconstructed UCLP (group 2: 19.1-26.9 years) were included in this study. Pressure profiles during the articulation of four sounds (/i:/, /s/, /ʃ/ and /n/) were measured by HRM. Maximum, minimum and average pressures, time intervals as well as detection of a previously described 3-phase-model were compared. Results: Both groups presented with similar pressure curves for each phoneme with regards to the phases described and pressure peaks, but differed in total pressures. An exception was noted for the sound /i:/, where a 3-phase-model could not be seen for most patients with UCLP. Differences in velopharynx pressures of 50% and more were found between the two groups. Maximum and average pressures in the production of the alveolar fricative reached statistical significance. Conclusions: It can be concluded that velopharyngeal pressures of patients with UCLP are not sufficient to eliminate nasal resonance or turbulence during articulation, especially for more complex sounds. These results support a general understanding of hypernasality during speech implying a (relative) velopharyngeal insufficiency.

Effect of palatine tonsil tumor resection on postoperative velopharyngeal insufficiency in transoral surgery.

BACKGROUND: Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is a known complication of transoral surgery (TOS) for oropharyngeal HPV-mediated squamous cell carcinoma. Controversy exists regarding adequate resection margins for balancing functional and oncologic outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective study was exempted by the IRB. Patients who underwent TOS from January 2017 to October 2022 were included. Patient characteristics, treatment details, and oncologic and functional outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients were included. Mean and median follow-up was 34 months. 98% of patients were AJCC stage I/II. Recurrence-free survival was 96% with no local recurrences. Univariate analysis demonstrated an association between VPI and pT stage (p = 0.035), medial pterygoid resection (p = 0.049), and palatal attachment sacrifice (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed sacrifice of the palatal attachments remained a significant risk for VPI (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Loss of soft palate pharyngeal attachments is an independent risk factor for VPI. When oncologically appropriate, the palatal attachments to the pharynx may be preserved.

Speech Outcomes After Palatal Lengthening Via Double Opposing Buccinator Myomucosal Flaps.

BACKGROUND: Palatal lengthening is becoming a first-line treatment choice for cleft patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). As cleft palate-related surgical outcomes are age dependent, speech outcomes may be similarly affected by patient age at the time of treatment. The primary goal of this study is to determine whether there are age-related speech outcome differences when double opposing buccinator myomucosal flaps are used as part of a palatal lengthening protocol and whether these outcome differences preclude utilization of this technique for specific patient age groups. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on consecutive nonsyndromic patients with VPI who underwent treatment using double opposing buccinator myomucosal flaps at our hospital between 2014 and 2021. Patients who completed the 15-month follow-up were stratified by age. Group A aged between 2 and 7 years (n = 14), group B aged 8 and 18 years (n = 23), and group C aged older than 18 years (n = 25) were included. Standardized perceptual speech evaluations and nasopharyngoscopy were performed. Hypernasality, soft palate mobility, and lateral palatal wall mobility were assessed both preoperatively and at a 15-month postoperative interval. Complications were also recorded. The χ2 test was used for statistical comparison. RESULTS: All of the age-stratified patient groups in this study showed significant improvement in hypernasality, soft palate mobility, and lateral wall mobility (P < 0.01), with no statistically significant differences between the different patient age groups. Overall speech success was achieved in 69.4% of patients. Patients in group A achieved 78.6% speech success, patients in group B achieved 78.3% speech success, and patients in group C achieved 56% speech success, with no statistically significant differences being shown regarding speech success between the different patient age groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of age, palatal lengthening via double opposing buccinator myomucosal flaps similarly improves speech outcomes.

Surgical treatment of velopharyngeal dysfunction: Incidence and associated factors in the Swedish cleft palate population.

INTRODUCTION: Speech in children with cleft palate can be affected by velopharyngeal dysfunction, which persists after primary palate repair. The incidence of surgery to correct velopharyngeal dysfunction in this patient group has previously been reported as 2.6-37%. We aimed to investigate the incidence of velopharyngeal dysfunction surgery in Swedish children with cleft palate and to examine potential associations of independent variables with this incidence. METHODS: In this cohort study, we analysed data from the Swedish cleft lip and palate quality registry for 1093 children with cleft palate with or without cleft lip. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate the risk of having velopharyngeal dysfunction surgery. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the associated effect of cleft subtype, additional diagnoses, gender, and age at and number of stages for primary palate repair on the primary outcome. RESULTS: The risk of having velopharyngeal dysfunction surgery was 25.6%. Complete primary palate repair after the age of 18 months or in more than one stage was associated with a higher risk, but it could not be determined which of these was the more significant factor. Cleft soft palate was associated with a significantly lower risk than other cleft subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: Primary palate repair at a higher age or in more than one stage may increase the risk of having velopharyngeal dysfunction surgery. Further analysis of potential unknown confounding factors and the association between the incidence of velopharyngeal dysfunction and surgery to correct this condition is needed.

Treatment of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Using Bilateral Myomucosal Buccinator Flaps.

SUMMARY: The buccinator myomucosal flap, also referred to as a buccal myomucosal flap, is an effective technique to address velopharyngeal insufficiency after cleft palate repair. Challenges related to flap harvesting may deter plastic surgeons from incorporating this strategy as a first-line treatment. The primary objective of this study and accompanying video is to provide support regarding indications, planning, and surgical steps of the buccinator myomucosal flap technique, including important technical details for soft-palate dissection and flap harvesting.

Do Buccal Flaps Improve Velopharyngeal Insufficiency in Conversion Furlow Palatoplasty for Patients with Cleft Palate?

SUMMARY: Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is a complication following primary palatoplasty that can lead to hypernasality of the voice and other speech problems. The conversion Furlow palatoplasty for VPI can be performed with the addition of buccal flaps to provide additional tissue for palatal repair. In this study, the authors aimed to determine the effectiveness of buccal flaps with conversion Furlow palatoplasty in secondary management of VPI. A retrospective review of patients undergoing surgical repair of VPI between 2016 and 2020 was performed. Patients underwent either conversion Furlow palatoplasty alone (FA) or conversion Furlow palatoplasty with buccal flaps (FB) for VPI after primary straight-line repair of the palate. The authors reviewed medical records to collect demographics, operative information, and preoperative and postoperative speech scores. Of the 77 patients in the study, 16 (21%) had a revision that incorporated buccal flaps. The median age at cleft palate revision surgery was 8.97 years in the FA group and 7.96 years in the FB group ( P = 0.337). In the FA group, four patients (7%) developed a postoperative fistula, compared with zero patients in the FB group. The average time to follow-up after revision surgery was 3.4 years (range, 7 months to 5.9 years). Both cohorts demonstrated a decrease in hypernasality and total parameter scores postoperatively. The use of buccal flaps in revision Furlow palatoplasty could decrease the risk for postoperative complications. The use of data from a larger patient population from multiple institutions is warranted to determine true significance. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Long-term outcomes of sphincter pharyngoplasty in patients with cleft palate.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term outcomes of sphincter pharyngoplasties, including speech outcomes, revision surgeries, and postoperative incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). DESIGN: Retrospective matched-cohort study SETTING: Two craniofacial centers in Los Angeles, CA PATIENTS: Patients (n = 166) with cleft lip and palate (CLP) or isolated cleft palate (iCP) who underwent sphincter pharyngoplasty from 1992 to 2022 were identified. An age- and diagnosis-matched control group of 67 patients with CLP/iCP without velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) was also identified. INTERVENTIONS: The pharyngoplasty group underwent sphincter pharyngoplasty, whereas the non-VPI group had no history of VPI surgery or sphincter pharyngoplasty. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative speech outcomes, revision surgeries, and incidence of OSA were evaluated. Multivariable regression was used to evaluate independent predictors of OSA. RESULTS: Among the patients in the pharyngoplasty cohort, 63.9% demonstrated improved and sustained speech outcomes after a single pharyngoplasty, with a median postoperative follow-up of 8.8 years (interquartile range [IQR], 3.6-12.0 years). One-third of the patients who underwent pharyngoplasty required a revision surgery, with a median time to primary revision of 3.9 years (IQR, 1.9-7.0 years). OSA rates increased significantly among the pharyngoplasty cohort, from 3% before surgery to 14.5% after surgery (p < 0.001). The average time from sphincter pharyngoplasty to OSA diagnosis was 4.4 ± 2.4 years. Multivariable analysis results indicated that sphincter pharyngoplasty surgery was independently associated with a fourfold increase in OSA (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Although sphincter pharyngoplasty remains successful in improving long-term speech outcomes, persistent OSA is a sequela that should be monitored beyond the immediate postoperative period.

Pharyngeal flap outcomes for velopharyngeal insufficiency: Evaluation of speech, obstructive sleep apnea, and velopharyngeal anatomy.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the speech outcomes, reveal postoperative rates of obstructive sleep apnea, and characterize changes in the pharyngeal flap and velopharyngeal anatomy following pharyngeal flap surgery for velopharyngeal insufficiency. A retrospective chart was reviewed for patients with clefts who underwent pharyngeal flap surgery between November 2020 and November 2021. The data collected included age, gender, cleft palate type, age at pharyngeal flap surgery, postoperative complications, age and type of primary palatoplasty, preoperative and postoperative speech assessments, magnetic resonance imaging findings, and obstructive sleep apnea outcomes. The authors included 72 nonsyndromic patients who underwent pharyngeal flap surgery following cleft palate repair. The mean age at pharyngeal flap surgery was 10.6 ± 6.2 years. There was a significant improvement in the Pittsburgh Weighted Speech Score Hypernasality Component and the nasalance scores of oral syllables (p < 0.001). The obstructive sleep apnea rate after pharyngeal flap surgery was 6.9%. Compared to preoperatively, the velar angle was more acute (p < 0.001), the velar length was longer (p < 0.001), the distance of the velum tip to the posterior pharyngeal wall was shorter (p < 0.001), the size of velopharyngeal gap was narrower (p < 0.001), and the pharyngeal flap atrophied (p < 0.001) at 6 months postoperatively. The pharyngeal flap improved speech outcomes in patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency with a relatively low incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (6.9%). The velum is positioned more superiorly and posteriorly, and the size of the velopharyngeal gap is substantially reduced after pharyngeal flap surgery. In addition, the pharyngeal flap partially atrophied over time.

Proposed clinical model for predicting speech outcomes in patients undergoing Furlow palatoplasty for velopharyngeal insufficiency after primary palatoplasty.

This study aimed to validate the predictors of speech outcomes following Furlow palatoplasty in patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) after primary palatoplasty and to propose and validate a model to predict the risk of persistent VPI. The study included patients with VPI after primary palatoplasty who underwent Furlow palatoplasty as a secondary surgery. Eleven variables were included: velar length, pharyngeal cavity depth, velopharyngeal gap, velopharyngeal closure pattern, sex, presence of cleft lip, existence of palatal fistula, surgeon, age at primary palatoplasty, age at secondary surgery, and time interval between primary palatoplasty and secondary surgery. Postoperative speech outcomes were assessed at least 1 year after the secondary surgery and classified as velopharyngeal competence (VPC) or VPI. Variables were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis, and the area under the curve (AUC) was used to validate model accuracy. The study sample comprised 101 patients. Of the patients, 62 had VPC and 39 had VPI after secondary surgery. The results showed a younger age at secondary surgery, a smaller velopharyngeal gap, being female, having a coronal velopharyngeal closure pattern and a velopharyngeal closure ratio of 90% or greater produced a greater probability of VPC. Given the constraints of this study, it appears that the Furlow palatoplasty should be prioritized when the clinical model predicts a substantial likelihood of VPC post-surgery.

Impact of a Palatal Fistula After Cleft Palate Repair on Velopharyngeal Closure.

PURPOSE: A palatal fistula is an adverse outcome of cleft palate repair. It is unknown if a palatal fistula will influence velopharyngeal closure, even after repair of the fistula. This study determines the effect of a soft palate fistula on the risk of developing velopharyngeal insufficiency. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients who underwent primary cleft palate repair between 2000 and 2015, with complete records at 4 years of age. Fistulae involving the secondary palate following primary palatoplasty were classified as the soft or hard palate. A forced-entry multivariate logistic regression model was built to detect predictors of velopharyngeal dysfunction. RESULTS: Records of 329 patients were analyzed with a mean follow-up of 8.7 years. A palatal fistula was identified in 89/329 patients (27%) and 29/329 patients (9%) underwent an independent fistula repair. Of the patients with fistula, 44% were located in the hard palate only and 56% had soft palate involvement. Compared to patients without a fistula, rates of velopharyngeal dysfunction were significantly higher in patients with a fistula involving the soft palate (OR 3.875, CI: 1.964-7.648, P < .001) but not in patients with a hard palate fistula (OR 1.140, CI: 0.497-2.613, P = .757). Veau class, age at primary repair, and syndromic status were not significant predictors of VPI (0.128≤P ≤ .975). CONCLUSIONS: A palatal fistula involving the soft palate is a significant predictor for development of velopharyngeal dysfunction after primary palatoplasty. Surgical intervention, at the time of fistula repair, to add vascularized tissue may be indicated to prophylactically decrease the risk of velopharyngeal dysfunction.

Speech correcting surgery after primary palatoplasty: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: In cleft palate patients, the soft palate is commonly closed using straight-line palatoplasty, Z-palatoplasty, or palatoplasty with buccal flaps. Currently, it is unknown which surgical technique is superior regarding speech outcomes. The aim of this review is to study the incidence of speech correcting surgery (SCS) per soft palatoplasty technique and to identify variables which are associated with this outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to focus on the incidence of SCS after soft palatoplasty. Additional variables like surgical modification, cleft morphology, syndrome, age at palatoplasty, fistula and assessment of velopharyngeal function were reported. A modified New-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used for quality appraisal. Pooled estimates from the meta-analysis were calculated using a random-effects model. RESULTS: One thousand twenty-nine studies were found of which 54 were included in the analysis. The pooled estimate proportion of SCS after straight-line palatoplasty was 19% (95% CI 15-24), after Z-palatoplasty 6% (95% CI 4-9), and after palatoplasty with buccal flaps 7% (95% CI 4-11). CONCLUSIONS: A lower SCS rate was found in patients receiving Z-palatoplasty when compared to straight-line palatoplasty. We propose a minimum set of outcome parameters which ideally should be included in future studies regarding speech outcomes after cleft palate repair. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Current literature reports highly heterogenous data regarding cleft palate repair. Our recommended set of parameters may address this inconsistency and could make intercenter comparison possible and of better quality.

Timing of Primary Surgery for Cleft Palate.

BACKGROUND: Among infants with isolated cleft palate, whether primary surgery at 6 months of age is more beneficial than surgery at 12 months of age with respect to speech outcomes, hearing outcomes, dentofacial development, and safety is unknown. METHODS: We randomly assigned infants with nonsyndromic isolated cleft palate, in a 1:1 ratio, to undergo standardized primary surgery at 6 months of age (6-month group) or at 12 months of age (12-month group) for closure of the cleft. Standardized assessments of quality-checked video and audio recordings at 1, 3, and 5 years of age were performed independently by speech and language therapists who were unaware of the trial-group assignments. The primary outcome was velopharyngeal insufficiency at 5 years of age, defined as a velopharyngeal composite summary score of at least 4 (scores range from 0 to 6, with higher scores indicating greater severity). Secondary outcomes included speech development, postoperative complications, hearing sensitivity, dentofacial development, and growth. RESULTS: We randomly assigned 558 infants at 23 centers across Europe and South America to undergo surgery at 6 months of age (281 infants) or at 12 months of age (277 infants). Speech recordings from 235 infants (83.6%) in the 6-month group and 226 (81.6%) in the 12-month group were analyzable. Insufficient velopharyngeal function at 5 years of age was observed in 21 of 235 infants (8.9%) in the 6-month group as compared with 34 of 226 (15.0%) in the 12-month group (risk ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.36 to 0.99; P = 0.04). Postoperative complications were infrequent and similar in the 6-month and 12-month groups. Four serious adverse events were reported (three in the 6-month group and one in the 12-month group) and had resolved at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Medically fit infants who underwent primary surgery for isolated cleft palate in adequately resourced settings at 6 months of age were less likely to have velopharyngeal insufficiency at the age of 5 years than those who had surgery at 12 months of age. (Funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research; TOPS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00993551.).

Pharyngeal Flap Versus Sphincter Pharyngoplasty for the Treatment of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: Preliminary Findings From a Systematic Review.

The purpose of this study was to examine and compare surgical and speech outcomes of the posterior pharyngeal flap and sphincter pharyngoplasty following surgical management of velopharyngeal insufficiency in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS). This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses checklist and guidelines. Selected studies were chosen using a 3-step screening process. The 2 primary outcomes of interest were speech improvement and surgical complications. Preliminary findings based on included studies suggest a slightly higher rate of postoperative complications with the posterior pharyngeal flap in patients with 22q11.2DS but a lower percentage of patients needing additional surgery compared with the sphincter pharyngoplasty group. The most reported postoperative complication was obstructive sleep apnea. Results from this study provide some insight into speech and surgical outcomes following pharyngeal flap and sphincter pharyngoplasty in patients with 22q11.2DS. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to inconsistencies in speech methodology and lack of detail regarding surgical technique in the current literature. There is a significant need for standardization of speech assessments and outcomes to help optimize surgical management of velopharyngeal insufficiency in individuals with 22q11.2DS.

Does pharyngoplasty work? Outcomes of 100 consecutive operations over 10 years.

BACKGROUND: Velopharyngeal insufficiency is a commonly encountered problem in Cleft Surgery, with pharyngoplasty being the mainstay of surgical management. In this study we aim to investigate the indications and outcomes of a single institution's experience and compare to international literature. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed looking at over 100 consecutive primary pharyngoplasty operations for velopharyngeal dysfunction over a 10-year period at a single institution. Aetiology, peri-operative course and speech outcomes for the cohort between January 2010 through January 2020 were assessed. A comprehensive literature review was performed for comparison and analysis of the studies' data. RESULTS: Ninety-seven consecutive patients were included in the study on which 103 operations were performed. Average age at time of surgery was 7.25 years old. Approximately 37% of the patients had a diagnosed syndrome, sequence or chromosomal abnormality. Ninety-seven of the 103 operations were primary pharyngoplasties, 4 were revision pharyngoplasties and 2 return to theatre procedures. Regarding speech outcomes, 51% of the patients that had formal speech assessments were found to have a significant improvement, 42% moderate improvement and 7% had no improvement. 93% of the patients that underwent pharyngoplasty in this study had significant or moderate improvement in speech outcomes. These speech outcomes and post-operative complications such as obstructive sleep apnoea are analysed. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that pharyngoplasty is a safe procedure for velopharyngeal insufficiency with a good overall success rate. The major outcomes assessed including complications & safety, revision rate and speech outcomes are comparative to previous international studies.

Update on injection augmentation pharyngoplasty in the treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) refers to a structural defect resulting in incomplete closure between the soft palate and posterior pharyngeal wall, leading to inadequate speech and deglutition. Traditional surgical options for VPI include sphincter pharyngoplasty, pharyngeal flaps and palatoplasty. Although these procedures have been successfully used over the past several decades, they are associated with complications such as pain, bleeding, infection and obstructive sleep apnoea. They also require postoperative admission. Injection augmentation pharyngoplasty (IAP) is increasingly being viewed as a viable, less invasive surgical option for patients with mild to moderate VPI. RECENT FINDINGS: Both autologous fat and alloplastic synthetics have been used as injectable materials, with low morbidity and good speech outcomes. However, given the overall lack of standardization across studies, no single material has shown clear superiority. SUMMARY: IAP is a promising alternative to more invasive surgeries in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate VPI. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of this approach, with an emphasis on its safety and efficacy.

Sommerlad-Furlow modified palatoplasty: A retrospective study.

The purpose of this study was to introduce the surgical process of Sommerlad-Furlow modified (S-F) palatoplasty and compare its surgical and functional outcomes with conventional Sommerlad (S) palatoplasty. Patients with non-syndromic cleft palate who had undergone either S-F palatoplasty or S palatoplasty were retrospectively reviewed. Data on the outcomes of velopharyngeal function and postsurgical palatal fistula incidence were collected for all patients. Data for preselected factors, including gender, age at palatoplasty, and cleft type, were also collected. Chi-square tests were conducted. 1254 patients were included. The postsurgical velopharyngeal competence (VPC) rate after S-F palatoplasty was significantly higher than after S palatoplasty (total, 70.5% vs 57.9%, p < 0.0001; age ≤ 1, 87.0% vs 69.2%, p < 0.0001; 1 < age ≤ 2, 78.3% vs 69.3%, p = 0.0479). With regard to different types of cleft palate, the postsurgical VPC rates after S-F palatoplasty were all significantly higher than for S palatoplasty in all patients younger than 2 years of age (complete cleft palate, 78.7% vs 62.4%, p = 0.0016; hard and soft palate cleft, 84.4% vs 74.8%, p = 0.0172; submucosal cleft and soft palate cleft, 96.6% vs 68.4%, p = 0.0114). The postoperative fistula rate after S-F palatoplasty was 4.3%. This modified palatoplasty technique provided adequate cleft palate closure, with satisfactory speech outcomes and low fistula rates, while older age at palatoplasty may affect the postsurgical outcomes. Within the limitations of the study it seems that the Sommerlad-Furlow modified technique is an option for cleft palate repair.

Outcomes of Primary Furlow Double-Opposing Z-plasty for the Treatment of Symptomatic Submucous Cleft Palate.

BACKGROUND: Submucous cleft palate (SMCP) requires surgical repair if symptomatic. The Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty is the preferred method in Helsinki cleft center. AIMS: To assess the efficacy and complications of Furlow Z-plasty in the treatment of symptomatic SMCP. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed documentation of 40 consecutive patients with symptomatic SMCP who underwent primary Furlow Z-plasty by 2 high-volume cleft surgeons at a single center between 2008 and 2017. Patients underwent perceptual and instrumental evaluation of velopharyngeal function (VPF) by speech pathologists preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: The median age at Furlow Z-plasty was 4.8 years (SD 2.6, range 3.1-13.6). The overall success rate, including postoperative competent or borderline competent VPF, was 83%, and 10% required secondary surgery for residual velopharyngeal insufficiency. The success rate was 85% in nonsyndromic, and 67% in syndromic patients with no significant difference ( P =0.279). Complications arose in only 2 (5%) patients. No children were found to have obstructive sleep apnea postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Furlow primary Z-plasty is a safe and effective operation for symptomatic SMCP with a success rate of 83% with only 5% rate of complications.

Uvular Dermoid Cyst: More Than Just a Lump in the Throat-Management of Resultant Velopharyngeal Insufficiency.

To seal the passage between the nasal and oral cavities during speech and swallowing, velopharyngeal closure is required. However, in velopharyngeal dysfunction, uncoupling of the nasal and oral cavities can be impaired, resulting in hypernasality, nasal air emission, and decreased vocal intensity. Velopharyngeal dysfunction can develop following velopharyngeal mislearning, oral surgery, or a congenital palatal malformation. Rare dermoid cysts of the palate may interrupt normal palatal development, resulting in velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). While speech therapy is the standard treatment, some cases may necessitate surgical correction of structural insufficiencies. In this report, we present the case of a 7-year-old female with a past surgical history of a uvular dermoid cyst removal at 14 months of age with VPI that was treated with Furlow Z-palatoplasty. To the author's knowledge, this is one of but a few cases of a uvular dermoid cyst with VPI.

Treatment algorithm for velopharyngeal dysfunction in patients with cleft palate: a systematic review.

The aim of this study was to review current literature regarding the speech outcome of different techniques of surgical treatment of VPD in cleft patients, in an attempt to reach a treatment algorithm. A systematic review was done, by searching Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases, following the PRISMA guidelines. Articles reporting speech assessment results of secondary VPI surgeries on non-syndromic patients with CP. Surgical techniques were categorised into two groups; palatal and pharyngeal surgeries. Raw data were extracted to compare speech outcome and complication of each technique, with special emphasis on the factors affecting the patients' selection for each technique. Our results showed comparable success and complication rates among these techniques. However, the factors governing selection of each technique were identified and taken into consideration to reach a preliminary algorithm. A preliminary treatment algorithm is described based on the results of our review; the most important factors affecting the technique choice are: VP gap size, LVP position, palatal mobility, palatal scarring, VP closure pattern, and age of the patient.