Furlow technique for treatment of soft palate fistula

Objective

Fistula of the palate is a common complication of palatoplasty, it leads to nasal regurgitation of fluids and hypernasality of speech. Its treatment is technically difficult due to paucity and fibrosis of palatal tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of closure of soft palate fistula by using Furlow double opposing Z-palatoplasty.

Methods

Nineteen patients were subjected for repair of their soft palate fistulas using Furlow Z-plasty. Pre and postoperative speech analysis using auditory perceptual assessment, measurement of nasalance score using nasometric assessment, and measurement of velar movement using flexible nasopharyngoscopy were done.

Results

All cases showed complete closure of their fistulas at first attempt, with no operative or postoperative complications. Recurrence was not recorded in any case after a follow up period of at least 12 months. Significant improvement of speech quality and nasalance score was achieved. Flexible nasopharyngoscopy showed postoperative increase in velar movement which was not significant relative to the preoperative records.

Conclusions

Treatment of soft palate fistula by using Furlow technique is an effective method as a primary treatment with a high success rate and a good functional outcome.     

The roles of the anterior tonsillar pillar and previous tonsillectomy on sleep-disordered breathing

We conducted a study to determine if there is a correlation between inadequate anterior tonsillar pillar support and sleep-disordered breathing. We examined 11 patients with a history of tonsillectomy to ascertain the structural and functional integrity of their anterior tonsillar pillars. All 11 demonstrated a loss of anterior pillar support and collapse of their soft palate to the extent that the soft palate passively pressed against the posterior pharyngeal wall. We conclude that a deficiency of anterior tonsillar pillar support does indeed predispose patients to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Knowledge of this correlation can help guide the method of surgical treatment and should reinforce the need to maintain the integrity of the anterior tonsillar pillars.     

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty without complications: a Fujita complication

In 17 illustrations, a modification of Fujita's technique of UPPP is presented. This operation consists of excising redundant velar tissues from the free margin of the soft palate, tonsillar pillars, and uvula without reducing the muscles of the velum. In addition, the uvula muscle is almost completely preserved. Seventy patients, with habitual snoring or with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, who underwent this surgery were followed-up from six to 24 months and did not show any palatal insufficiency with air and liquid escape through the nose. Additional remarks are made concerning the difficulties encountered during intubation of 60 percent of patients with chronic rhonchopathy.     

Bivalved palatal transposition flaps for the correction of acquired nasopharyngeal stenosis

Nasopharyngeal stenosis is almost universally an iatrogenic problem resulting from surgical trauma after adenotonsillectomy or uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). In addition, laser-assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for the treatment of snoring may lead to the development of cicatricial scarring and stenosis at the level of the velopharynx. The most common mechanisms implicated in the development of acquired nasopharyngeal stenosis are the overzealous removal of inferolateral adenoid tissue and excessive excision of the palatopharyngeal arches. Symptoms generally relate to a disturbance in respiration, olfaction, voice quality, and deglutition, and are often poorly tolerated. Surgical options for the correction of this challenging problem include steroid injections, scar lysis, skin grafts, Z-plasty repair, and the use of various local mucosal flaps. We report the successful use of bivalved palatal transposition flaps performed through the transoral route for the correction of severe acquired nasopharyngeal stenosis following UPPP in two patients. Both patients developed delayed nasopharyngeal stenosis following their initial surgery and subsequently failed several attempts at surgical correction of the stenosis, including laser lysis of the scarred soft palate. Using this technique of repair, both patients achieved satisfactory resolution of their symptoms, including comfortable nasal breathing and normal speech. We have found that this is a simple and effective technique for the correction of severe nasopharyngeal stenosis.     

Speech outcomes after palatal closure in 3–7-year-old children

IntroductionOne of the main goals of the team approach in management of oro-facial clefts is to help the children with cleft palate have adequate speech development.ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of articulation and resonance disorders following palate closure in children who were visited for routine examination by the Isfahan Cleft Care Team between 2011 and 2015, and to study the impact of cleft type and age at the time of palatoplasty on speech outcomes.MethodsClinical records of 180 preschool children with repaired cleft palate were reviewed. The percentage of children demonstrating hypernasality, nasal emission, nasal turbulence, and compensatory misarticulations was calculated. The relationship between cleft type and age at the time of palatal surgery, as independent variables, and speech outcomes were examined.Results67.7 and 64.5 percent of the children demonstrated respectively moderate/severe hypernasality and nasal emission, and 71.1 percent produced compensatory misarticulations. Age at the time of palatal repair was significantly associated with compensatory misarticulations and also with moderate/severe hypernasality. The prevalence of compensatory misarticulations, significant hypernasality, nasal emission and also nasal turbulence was not significantly different in various types of cleft.ConclusionsWe observed a high prevalence of different speech disorders in preschool children with repaired cleft palate compared to other studies. This can be partly due to late palatal repair in the studied population. Despite many advances in cleft palate management programs in Iran, there are still many children who do not access the interdisciplinary team cares in their early childhood. We should, therefore, try to increase accessibility of appropriate and timely management services to all Iranian children with cleft lip/palate.     

Radiofrequency ablation of the lateral palatal space for snoring

ObjectivePilot study to examine the effect of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the lateral palatal fat pad in patients with socially-disruptive snoring.MethodSnoring outcomes and complications were compared between a group of patients with treated with RFA ablation of the lateral soft palate fat pad with or without inferior turbinate reduction (8 patients) and another group undergoing inferior turbinate reduction alone (12 patients).ResultsSnoring loudness and bothersomeness improved in the palate but not inferior turbinate group. Pain was mild and no major complications were observed.ConclusionThe study supports RFA ablation of the lateral palatal space as a potential low morbidity procedure for snoring.     

Morphological assessment of the soft palate in habitual snoring using image analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Define differences in palatal and uvular dimensions between habitual snorers and healthy nonsnoring control subjects. Document the changes in palatal configuration after different types of palatoplasty. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective controlled clinical study was performed analyzing video recordings of the soft palate and oropharynx of 251 subjects (121 habitual snorers, 79 patients after laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty ([LAUP], and 51 healthy volunteers). METHODS: The recordings were captured using a rigid endoscope with a reference measure applied to the soft palate and a mark at the junction of the soft and hard palate. Four parameters were studied in the captured pictures after correction for the distortion deformity in fiberoptic endoscopic images: 1) length of soft palate, 2) length of uvula, 3) width of uvula, and 4) distance between posterior pillars. RESULTS: Analysis showed that habitual snorers, compared with healthy volunteers have significantly increased soft palate length (P = .00001), increased uvula length (P = .0002) and width (P = .00001), and narrowed oropharyngeal isthmus (distance between the posterior pillars) (P = .04). In patients studied after LAUP, the length of the soft palate is significantly shorter (P = .00001) than in the preoperative cohort, and the oropharyngeal isthmus is significantly narrower (P = .00001). Moreover, this latter distance is significantly narrower (P = .00001) when compared with healthy volunteers. CONCLUSIONS: Habitual snorers have a long soft palate, a long wide uvula, and a narrowed oropharyngeal isthmus. LAUP shortens and tightens the elongated palate and causes a further reduction in the space between the posterior pillars.     

Functional outcomes following palatal reconstruction with a folded radial forearm free flap

Defects of the soft palate often occur after extirpative procedures are performed to treat oropharyngeal cancers. These defects usually result in velopharyngeal insufficiency and an alteration in speech and deglutition. Palatal prostheses have been used to circumvent this problem in the past. Recently, however, folded radial forearmfreeflaps have been introduced for reconstruction of the soft palate to eliminate velopharyngeal insufficiency and the need for a prosthesis. We conducted a study to evaluate pharyngeal and palatal functions following reconstruction of soft-palate defects with radial forearm free flaps in 16 patients who had undergone resection of the soft palate for squamous cell carcinoma. Nine patients had partial soft-palate defects and 7 had total defects. All patients had lateral pharyngeal-wall defects. In addition, 14 patients had defects of the base of the tongue. Patients were followed for 3 to 40 months. Outcome measures were determined according to several parameters, including postoperative complications, resumption of diet, intelligibility of speech, and decannulation. All patients were evaluated by a speech pathologist and an otolaryngologist with a bedside swallowing evaluation and flexible nasopharyngoscopy. Twelve patients underwent videofluoroscopic studies. There was no incidence of flap failure. One patient developed a transient salivary fistula, which resolved with conservative management. Four patients without dysphagia resumed oral intake 2 weeks after surgery. The 12 patients with dysphagia underwent swallowing therapy. Ten of them responded and were able to resume oral intake, while the other 2 required a palatal prosthesis. Overall, 10 patients resumed a normal diet and 4 tolerated a soft diet within 6 weeks. The 2 patients who required a palatal prosthesis were able to take purees. All patients were decannulated, and all were able to speak intelligibly. Speech was hypernasal in 2 patients and hyponasal in 3. We conclude that the folded radial forearm free flap procedure is a useful alternative for reconstruction of palatal and pharyngeal defects. It is safe and effective, and it results in excellent functional outcomes.     

A new treatment for snoring: sling snoreplasty with a permanent thread

Conclusion. Sling snoreplasty could be a new effective palatal snoring procedure with minimal side effects. It could be combined with other snoring and sleep apnea operations. Objectives. To introduce sling snoreplasty with a permanent thread. Patients and methods. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and in the sitting position. The instrument requirements include a nylon no. 4 suture, two needle-holders (or one needle-holder and a straight kelly), and a tongue depressor. Sling snoreplasty with a permanent thread is a retention suture technique applied to three portions of redundant soft palate in a triangular, tetragonal or pentagonal shape. Results. Sling snoreplasty could be called a three-dimensional retention suture technique to shorten, conglomerate, and tense the soft palate. It also elevates the soft palate forward and upward, and widens the oral cavity and nasopharyngeal space. The suture not only provides a sling effect in the soft palate but also incorporates into the soft palate musculature, imparting rigidity to the airway like tongue suspension suture. Patients have only a little pain and normal diet on the day after surgery. There are minimal postoperative complications.     

Treatment of persistent post-adenoidectomy velopharyngeal insufficiency by sphincter pharyngoplasty

Objective

Persistent hypernasality after adenoidectomy is an infrequent problem in children with normal palate. However if it happened, it can render a child's speech unintelligible resulting in serious affection of social life. We aimed in this study to identify the causes of persistent post-adenoidectomy velopharyngeal insufficiency and to assess the efficacy of sphincter pharyngoplasty in the treatment of such problem.

Methods

This study was conducted on 18 patients complained of hypernasal speech following removal of their adenoids after variable periods of failed expected spontaneous improvement. Their hypernasality was rated as being mild, moderate and severe, all cases were subjected to conservative treatment in the form of speech therapy for 3 months to correct the problem, and patients that did not respond to speech therapy were subjected to surgical intervention in the form of sphincter pharyngoplasty. Velopharyngeal closure was assessed using flexible nasopharyngoscopy, while speech was assessed using auditory perceptual assessment and nasometry.

Results

Hypernasality was mild in 9 cases, moderate in 7 cases and severe in 2 cases. Flexible nasopharyngocopy showed occult submucous cleft in 5 cases, short palate in 2 cases, and deep nasopharynx in 3 cases. Speech improvement was achieved in 8 cases after completion of speech therapy program (all had mild hypernasality with no anatomical palatal defects). Ten patients that had palatal defects were subjected to sphincter pharyngoplasty, 8 of them showed complete recovery, while 2 cases with severe hypernasality showed partial improvement of their speech.

Conclusions

Persistent post-adenoidectomy velopharyngeal insufficiency may be due to anatomical abnormalities of the palate such as an occult submucous cleft, short palate or deep nasopharynx; such conditions may be overlooked during the preoperative preparation for adenoid removal. Speech therapy is an effective method in mild hypernasality especially if there is no anatomical abnormality, while surgical correction is usually needed in moderate and severe cases, and sphincter pharyngoplasty is a useful choice for those patients.     

Treatment outcome after neonatal cleft lip repair in 5-year-old children with unilateral cleft lip and palate

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to assess speech outcomes and dental arch relationship of 5-year-old Czech patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) who have undergone neonatal cleft lip repair and one-stage palatal closure.Methods and materialsTwenty-three patients with UCLP, born between 2009 and 2010, were included in the study. Three universal speech parameters (hypernasality, articulation and speech intelligibility) have been devised for speech recordings evaluation. Outcomes of dental arch relationship were evaluated by applying the GOSLON Yardstick and subsequently compared with the GOSLON outcome of other cleft centers.ResultsModerate hypernasality was present in most cases, the mean value for articulation and speech intelligibility was 2.07 and 1.93, respectively. The Kappa values for inter-examiner agreement for all the three speech outcomes ranged from 0.786 to 0.808. Sixty-three percent of patients were scored GOSLON 1 and 2, 26% GOSLON 3, and 10% GOSLON 4. GOSLON mean score was 2.35. Interrater agreement was very good, represented by kappa value of 0.867.ConclusionThe treatment protocol, involving neonatal cleft lip repair and one-stage palatal repair performed up to the first year of UCLP patient's life, has shown good speech outcomes and produced very good treatment results in regard to maxillary growth, comparable with other cleft centers.     

Prospective evaluation of the effect of early nasal layer closure on definitive repair in cleft palate patients

IntroductionThe cleft palate is one of the most common congenital anomalies treated by plastic surgeons. The cleft width increases the tension of repair and necessitates excessive dissection that might affect maxillary growth. Decreasing the width of cleft minimize tension, dissection and may limit the impact on maxillary growth.ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of nasal layer closure of the hard palate at the time of cleft lip repair in patients with complete cleft lip and palate, to demonstrate the efficacy of narrowing the gap and to reduce the incidence of fistulae or other complications.MethodsThirty patients less than 1 year of age were included in this prospective observational study. A superiorly based vomer flap was used to repair the nasal layer of the cleft hard palate at the time of primary cleft lip repair. 12–14 weeks after the vomer flap, the cleft soft and hard palate was definitively repaired. Alveolar and palatal gaps were recorded during the 1st and 2nd operations to demonstrate the reduction of the gap defect.ResultsThe mean reduction of the alveolar cleft width in patients who had a vomer flap in the first stage was 4.067 mm and the mean reduction of the palatal gap was 4.517 mm. Only 3 patients developed small fistula on the repaired nasal layer that was discovered and corrected during definitive palatoplasty.ConclusionNasal layer closure is a simple surgical technique that can be used to close the hard palate at the time of cleft lip repair. It is a valuable addition to cleft lip and palate repair that may prevent some cleft palate surgical complications.     

Palatopharyngeal sling: a new technique in treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency

OBJECTIVE: (a) Pharyngeal flap and sphincter pharyngoplasty are the procedures most frequently chosen by craniofacial surgeons for surgical management of velopharyngeal insufficiency. Both operations may be complicated by obstructive breathing and even sleep apnea. (b) The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a palatopharyngeal sling in the treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency in cases with weak palatal mobility and its effect on breathing. METHODS: Seventeen cases of post-palatoplasty velopharyngeal insufficiency were subjected to treatment by palatopharyngeal sling. This sling, created by elevation of bilateral myomucosal flaps formed of palatopharyngeus and superior constrictor muscles, passed through palatal split, sutured together and to a raw area on the oral surface of the soft palate. Pre- and post-operative evaluation was carried out by perceptual speech analysis and flexible nasopharyngoscopy. Polysomnography was used to assess the effect of the operation on breathing. RESULTS: Complete closure was achieved in 13 cases (76.5%) while 4 cases showed incomplete closure (2 of them showed improvement when compared with the pre-operative video). The overall improvement of speech and velopharyngeal closure was 88.2%. Polysomnography showed no obstructive breathing. CONCLUSIONS: Palatopharyngeal sling is a useful technique for correction of velopharyngeal insufficiency in cases with little palatal motion and it carries no risk of obstructive sleep apnea.     

Velopharyngeal valving during speech, in patients with velocardiofacial syndrome and patients with non-syndromic palatal clefts after surgical and speech pathology management

Background

Velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) is the most common genetic syndrome associated with cleft palate. There are reports describing several anomalies associated with the palatal cleft in patients with VCFS, which can affect the characteristics of the velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in these cases.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to assess velopharyngeal sphincter function during speech, using videonasopharyngoscopy (VNP) and videofluoroscopy (VF), in patients with VCFS, as compared with patients with non-syndromic palatal clefts (NSCP).

Material and method

Twenty patients with VCFS corroborated by a FISH test were studied. All patients showed a palatal cleft. All patients had received previous management including speech therapy and palatal repair. These patients underwent a thorough clinical speech evaluation, including VNP and VF. Twenty patients with NSCP matched by sex, type of cleft and within the age range of the patients with VCFS were studied as controls.

Results

From the patients with VCFS, seventeen patients showed a submucous cleft palate. Three patients showed sub-total cleft of the secondary palate. Fourteen patients (70%) showed a coronal velopharyngeal closure pattern. Six patients (30%) showed a circular pattern. In contrast, 10 patients (50%) from the NSCP group showed a circular pattern, two of them showed a Passavant's ridge. Seven patients (35%) showed a coronal pattern and 3 patients (15%) showed a saggital pattern. Mean velum (V) and lateral pharyngeal wall (LPW) motion were significantly decreased in patients with VCFS (V = 46% vs 71%; LPW = 14% vs 30%; P < 0.001). Size of the defect during speech was significantly increased in patients with VCFS (34.57% vs 67.37%; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Velopharyngeal valving during speech is significantly different in patients with VCFS as compared with patients with NSCP. Several anomalies associated with the palatal cleft in patients with VCFS can explain these differences. Thus, the surgical approach for repairing a palatal cleft should consider these differences. Moreover, surgical planning should be performed according to the specific findings of the velopharyngeal sphincter in order to improve speech outcome.     

Functional outcomes after primary oropharyngeal cancer resection and reconstruction with the radial forearm free flap

OBJECTIVE: To report prospectively collected aeromechanical, acoustical, and perceptual speech outcomes, as well as preliminary swallowing data, in patients having reconstruction with radial forearm free flaps after primary resection for oropharyngeal cancer. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: Acoustical, aeromechanical, and perceptual speech data and swallowing data were gathered at three evaluation times (preoperatively and before and after radiation therapy) for patients treated for oropharyngeal cancer by means of primary resection and reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap. Degree of involvement of the soft palate and base of tongue, along with reconstructive techniques, were entered as between-group factors in the analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in speech intelligibility between the patient groups based on the degree of palate and tongue resected. However, patients with resections of half or more than half of the soft palate had significantly higher nasalance values and larger velopharyngeal orifice areas than individuals who had less than half of the soft palate resected. Significant within-subject differences were revealed across evaluation times for the dependent variables nasalance, velopharyngeal orifice area, and word intelligibility. Ninety-four percent of the patients were able to resume a normal or soft diet. There was a 6% incidence of aspiration in 128 swallows that were analyzed. The amount of base of tongue resected did not significantly affect any of the speech or swallowing parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Radial forearm free flaps are a good reconstructive option after oropharyngeal cancer extirpation. Our acoustic and aeromechanical results indicated that issues related to quality of the speech signal require further study for resections of half or more than half of the soft palate.     

悬雍垂腭咽成形术后鼻咽瘢痕狭窄的治疗

目的探讨悬雍垂腭咽成形术（uvulopalatopharyngoplasty，UPPP）术后鼻咽瘢痕狭窄的治疗。方法回顾性分析1997年11月至2006年2月北京协和医院耳鼻咽喉科治疗的UPPP术后鼻咽狭窄6例患者的临床资料。2例中度（Ⅱ型）狭窄，采用转咽部双黏膜瓣法，重建黏膜化的新软腭外侧游离缘，并修复咽侧裸露的创面，扩大咽腔。4例重度（Ⅲ型）狭窄，曾行1-次鼻咽狭窄矫治术后失败，其中1例放置网状记忆合金支架后咽闭锁。除了采用上述转咽部双黏膜瓣修复外，4例Ⅲ型患者术后佩戴中空的鼻咽支撑物扩张半年。结果6例随访9个月～4年，鼻塞等不适症状去除。鼻咽气道狭窄校正，无鼻咽反流症状。间断佩戴自制的牙托式鼻咽扩张支架，能明显减少对日常工作和交往的干扰。结论手术扩大狭窄咽腔，重度者术后佩戴牙托式鼻咽扩张支架，是目前治疗UPPP术后鼻咽狭窄较理想的方法。     

Radiation dose to the tongue and velopharynx predicts acoustic-articulatory changes after chemo-IMRT treatment for advanced head and neck cancer

The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent changes in speech after C-IMRT treatment are related to mean doses to the tongue and velopharynx (VP). In 34 patients with advanced hypopharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, or oropharyngeal cancer, changes in speech from pretreatment to 10 weeks and 1 year posttreatment were correlated with mean doses to the base of tongue (BOT), oral cavity (OC) and tonsillar fossa/soft palate (VP). Differences in anteroposterior tongue position, dorsoventral degree of tongue to palate or pharynx constriction, grooving, strength, nasality, and laryngeal rise, were assessed by acoustic changes in three speech sounds that depend on a (post-) alveolar closure or narrowing (/t/, /s/, /z/), three with a tongue to palate/pharyngeal narrowing (/l/, /r/, /u/), and in vowel /a/ at comfortable and highest pitch. Acoustically assessed changes in tongue positioning, shape, velopharyngeal constriction, and laryngeal elevation were significantly related to mean doses to the tongue and velopharynx. The mean dose to BOT predicted changes in anteroposterior tongue positioning from pre- to 10-weeks posttreatment. From pretreatment to 1-year, mean doses to BOT, OC, and VP were related to changes in grooving, strength, laryngeal height, nasality, palatalization, and degree of pharyngeal constriction. Changes in speech are related to mean doses to the base of tongue and velopharynx. The outcome indicates that strength, motility, and the balance between agonist and antagonist muscle forces change significantly after radiotherapy.     

Effects of surface anesthesia on deglutition in man

The importance of sensitivity in the mouth, pharynx and esophagus upon swallowing was studied on 17 healthy volunteers. Intraluminal pressures of the pharynx, pharyngo-esophageal sphincter and esophagus were synchronously recorded before and after surface anesthesia with lidocaine. Anesthesia of the mucous membrane in sectors of the oral cavity, pharynx or esophagus separately did not cause any objective changes, whereas simultaneous anesthesia of an area consisting of the soft palate, tonsillar pillars, tonsils, base of the tongue and pharynx, caused considerable changes upon swallowing: the coordination between the pharynx and sphincter was disturbed; dysphagia and coughing occurred. Similar dys-coordinations have been reported earlier from patients with hypopharyn-geal diverticulum but have not previously been shown experimentally. The changes are probably caused by the mucous membrane's anesthesia inhibiting the discharge of impulses from oropharyngeal receptors.