Augmentation of the posterior pharyngeal wall with autologous tragal cartilage for management of velopharyngeal valve insufficiency in adults

ObjectiveThe study aims to evaluate posterior pharyngeal wall augmentation using autologous tragal cartilage graft in adults with velopharyngeal valve insufficiency (VPI).MethodsThe study included 23 patients with VPI (grade I, II, III), with ages ranging from 19 to 45 years. Six patients had previously undergone simple palatoplasty for cleft palate, 8 patients had previously undergone adenotonsillectomy and 9 patients had previously undergone uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). The procedure was done by implanting a piece of autologous tragal cartilage in the posterior pharyngeal wall. Patients were followed up for 24 months postoperatively. The evaluation of percent of speech intelligibility and grade of the closure of the velopharyngeal valve using video-nasopharyngoscopy was evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively.ResultsHighly statistically significant improvement in the grade of the closure of the velopharyngeal valve (P = 0.009) and percent of intelligibility (P = 0.001) was found after surgery. There were no postoperative airway obstruction or sleep apnea.ConclusionAugmentation of the posterior pharyngeal wall using tragal cartilage is an effective, safe and physiological surgical procedure in the management of VPI in adults who suffered hypernasality following palatal and oropharyngeal surgeries.     

Treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency by autologous fat injection

Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is a structural or functional trouble, which causes hypernasal speech. Velopharyngeal flaps, speech therapy and augmentation pharyngoplasty, using different implants, have all been used to address this trouble. We hereby present our results following rhinopharyngeal autologous fat injection in 18 patients with mild velopharyngeal insufficiency (12 soft palate clefts, 4 functional VPI, 2 myopathy). 28 injections were carried out between 2004 and 2007. The degree of hypernasal speech was evaluated pre- and postoperatively by a speech therapist and an ENT specialist and quantified by an acoustic nasometry (Kay Elemetrics™). All patients were exhaustively treated with preoperative speech therapy (average, 8 years). The mean value of the nasalance score was 37% preoperatively and 23% postoperatively (p = 0.015). The hypernasality was reduced postoperatively in all patients (1–3 degrees of the Borel-Maisonny score). There were no major complications, two minor complications (one hematoma, one cervical pain). The autologous fat injection is a simple, safe, minimally invasive procedure. It proves to be efficient in cases of mild velopharyngeal insufficiency or after a suboptimal velopharyngoplasty.     

Surgery for speech in cleft palate patients

INTRODUCTION: Superiorly based pharyngeal flaps and sphincter pharyngoplasties are the two main possibilities for the surgical treatment of hypernasality in velopharyngeal dysfunction. Videonaspharyngoscopy and multi-view videofluoroscopy can provide anatomical and physiological data for planning these surgical procedures for correcting hypernasality. AIM: This study was undertaken to assess the planning and outcome of pharyngeal flaps and sphincter pharyngoplasties for correcting velopharyngeal insufficiency. The surgical techniques were customized according to the findings of videonasopharyngoscopy and multiview videofluoroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy patients with repaired palate clefts and residual velopharyngeal dysfunction were studied. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. The first group received a pharyngeal flap. The second group received a sphincter pharyngoplasty. Both procedures were individually customized according to the findings of videonasopharyngoscopy and multi-view videofluoroscopy. RESULTS: There was a non-significant difference (P >0.05) between the mean size of preoperative velopharyngeal closure gap between the two groups of patients (mean=27.5%; S.D.=7.7% versus mean=28.3%; S.D.=5.9%). Postoperatively, velopharyngeal dysfunction was completely corrected in 89% of the cases from group 1, and in 85% of the cases from group 2. There was a non-significant difference (P >0.05) between the success rate for correcting VPI in both groups of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Pharyngeal flap and sphincter pharyngoplasty seem to be safe and reliable procedures for treating residual velopharyngeal dysfunction. Although not all the patients studied for this paper achieved complete closure after the surgical procedures, all of them showed a reduction of the size of the velopharyngeal closure defect. The planning of the surgical procedure, in order to match the postoperative structure to the preoperative velopharyngeal dimensions and movements visualized through Videonasopharyngoscopy and videofluoroscopy, seems to be the most important aspect of the surgery for correcting residual velopharyngeal dysfunction.     

Lateral pharyngeal flap with a double pedicle for repair of unilateral velopharyngeal insufficiency

ObjectivesConventional pharyngeal flap surgery, which closes the median portion of the velopharynx, has been performed for dysarthria patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). However, for VPI due to unilateral pharyngeal paralysis, median closing disrupts pharyngeal contraction of the unaffected side and allows pharyngeal pressure to escape through the nose at the lateral portion of the affected side during speech and swallowing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of lateral pharyngeal flap (LPF) surgery for unilateral VPI.MethodsSeven patients with unilateral VPI (five males and two females with an average age of 54 years) underwent LPF surgery combined with other transoral surgeries for dysphagia. The LPF surgical technique was as follows: after the laterocaudal-based pedicle flap of the soft palate and cranial-based pedicle flap of the posterior pharyngeal wall on the affected side were transorally elevated, each mucosal pedicle flap was sutured together. Functional oral intake scale (FOIS) scores and swallowing pressure before and after surgery were compared.ResultsUnilateral velopharyngeal closure preserved nasal breathing after LPF surgery in all patients. Rhinolalia aperta improved postoperatively in all patients except one. The mean FOIS scores were 2.3 preoperatively and 3.7, 5.3, and 5.9 at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 6 months postoperatively, respectively. The mean pressures significantly increased at the velopharynx (from 49 ± 30 mmHg to 92 ± 45 mmHg) and oropharynx (from 48 ± 18 mmHg to 66 ± 15 mmHg) six months after the surgery.ConclusionLPF surgery leaving the unaffected side intact can be an effective surgical procedure for patients with unilateral VPI.     

Retropharyngeal lipostructure in the treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency: A prospective study and update

IntroductionRetropharyngeal lipostructure is a recent procedure in velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), offering an effective alternative to heavier surgery.ObjectivesTo update and assess retropharyngeal lipostructure as a treatment for VPI in the University Hospital Center of Rouen (France).Type of studySingle-center prospective study, from May 2012 to May 2014.Patients and methodsSix patients (4 girls, 2 boys) presenting with VPI were treated by retropharyngeal lipostructure. Age at surgery ranged between 6 and 12 years. Four of the patients bore a 22q11 microdeletion. Treatment was indicated in case of Borel-Maisonny type 2b (n = 2) or 2 m (n = 4) despite well-conducted speech therapy and of ≥ 50% velopharyngeal sphincter closure on nasal endoscopy. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at 3 months, by a multidisciplinary team. Borel-Maisonny type was assessed by a speech therapist. Nasality was measured on assisted vocal evaluation (EVA^®). Sphincter closure was assessed on dynamic MRI.ResultsBetween 6 and 8 cm³autologous fat was injected. At 3 months, 4 children showed 1-grade improvement in Borel-Maisonny type. Nasality decreased systematically, from a mean 14.5% preoperatively to 10.5% postoperatively. MRI showed improvement in all cases, with complete closure in occlusive vowels in 3 children.ConclusionEVA^® and MRI provide precise objective assessment of VPI. Retropharyngeal lipostructure is a simple, relatively non-invasive, reproducible technique, providing good results in VPI.     

Speech outcomes in children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome following surgery for velopharyngeal insufficiency

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to identify prognostic factors associated with improved speech outcomes following surgical correction for velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in pediatric patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS).MethodsEighteen patients were identified via retrospective chart review of patients with 22q11DS between 2005 and 2014. Patient characteristics, medical histories, associated comorbidities, surgical procedures, and pre- and postoperative perceptual hypernasality (subjectively rated 1–5 with 5 being the most severe) were gathered for each patient.Results12 patients (67%) experienced improvement in hypernasality following corrective surgery for VPI. Higher severity of hypernasality preoperatively was found to be indicative of a lower chance of improvement with VPI surgery. Of 8 patients with a preoperative hypernasality score of 5, 3 (38%) showed improvement in hypernasality postoperatively, while 9 out of 10 (90%) of patients with a preoperative hypernasality score less than 5 showed postoperative improvement. Females were also found to have worse speech outcomes compared to males.Conclusion22q11DS patients presenting with severely hypernasal speech preoperatively are less likely to show improvement in hypernasality following corrective surgery for VPI. Those patients with moderate hypernasality are most likely to benefit from surgery.     

Surgical planning for restoring velopharyngeal function in velocardiofacial syndrome

Background

Velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) is one of the most common multiple anomaly syndromes in humans. Around 70% of the cases show velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), as a consequence of cleft palate. VPI is much more frequent due to special abnormal conditions inherent to VCFS including: platybasia, hypotrophy of adenoid, enlarged tonsils, hypotonia and abnormal pharyngeal muscles.

Objective

To evaluate the surgical treatment of VPI in VCFS patients.

Materials and methods

In the Hospital Gea Gonzalez at Mexico City, all cases of VCFS from January 2000 to July December 2007 were studied. All patients subjected to velopharyngeal surgery for correcting VPI were selected. Twenty-nine patients underwent velopharyngeal surgery. All operations were planned according to findings of videonasopharyngoscopy (VNP) and multiview video fluoroscopy (MVF).

Results

Twenty patients underwent pharyngeal flap operations, and 9 patients were operated on with a sphincter pharyngoplasty. After a pharyngeal flap, 17 cases (85%) improved to normal nasal resonance or mild hypernasality. Three flaps showed moderate hypernasality postoperatively. From the 9 sphincter pharyngoplasties, 6 cases (66%) improved to moderate hypernasality. Four patients (33%) persisted with severe hypernasality postoperatively. There were no complications.

Conclusions

Tailor-made pharyngeal flaps seem to be the best option for restoring velopharyngeal function in cases of VPI in VCFS patients. The use of VNP and MVF is useful for planning the operations for VPI, and they are also useful for indicating the removal of tonsils in cases with high risk of obstruction. Moreover, VNP is also useful for preventing damage to the internal carotids which are usually displaced in VCFS patients.     

Surgical management of the hypodynamic palate.

The most successful surgical correction of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) has been achieved in those patients in whom residual dynamic function of the soft palate/nasopharyngeal sphincter mechanism exists. In spite of the obvious need for rehabilitation, surgical reconstruction has often been advised against in those cases where the palate was hypodynamic or adynamic. We have developed a surgical procedure for these patients by utilizing a modification of Hogan's lateral port control pharyngeal flap method. We present the surgical considerations along with the initial application and results in four patients with hypodynamic palates of differing origins. We think that this technique extends surgical correction of VPI to the previously neglected group of patients in whom this condition is the result of a hypodynamic palate.     

Velopharyngeal insufficiency following palatine tonsillectomy

Although adenotonsillectomy is usually considered a minor operation, numerous uncommon but severe complications have been described. Even tonsillectomy alone can cause velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). We describe two cases in which severe VPI was noted after palatine tonsillectomy was performed because of recurrent peritonsillar abscesses. The patients underwent clinical examination, nasalance measurements, videonasopharyngoscopy and videofluoroscopy. Findings in both patients were consistent with lesions of branches of the vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves through lingual rami, while one of the patients probably also had a lesion of the hypoglossal nerve. Endoscopic and videofluoroscopic examinations demonstrated essential differences in the patients' preoperative state of velopharyngeal anatomy. Findings demonstrate the value of careful postoperative endoscopic and videofluoroscopic examination in cases with VPI after tonsillectomy to identify factors affecting subsequent VPI and to design possible treatment.     

Pharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea: The influence of surgical technique

Introduction and objectivesObstructive sleep apnea is the most frequent sleep disorder worldwide, with rising incidence. Pharyngoplasty is an alternative treatment in patients not suitable to continuous positive airway pressure devices (CPAP). The aim of this study is to compare different surgical techniques of pharyngoplasty for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and evaluate its influence in surgical success.Material and methodsRetrospective study of 92 patients that underwent pharyngoplasty for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea from 2001 to 2020. Included patients performed classic uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), radiofrequency assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (RF-UPPP) or barbed reposition pharyngoplasty (BRP). Surgical success was defined and outcomes and complications assessed for each procedure.ResultsMost patients were male, with a mean age of 49.36 ± 9.6 years and a mean apnea hypopnea index (AHI) of 29.14 ± 2.94 events/h. Thirty-six patients performed classic UPPP, thirty-one underwent RF-UPPP and the remaining twenty-five performed BRP. BRP achieved the highest success rate (66%) in comparison with UPPP (57%) and RF-UPPP (54%) (p = 0.032). Mean relative AHI reduction after surgery was not statistically different between three procedures (p = 0.098), although there was a tendency for greater reduction with BRP. Most symptoms improved after surgery and snoring was the most recurrent symptom. BRP had less foreign body sensation after surgery, however, it was the procedure with highest rate of post-operative tonsillar bleeding.ConclusionsIn our department, the introduction of recent techniques of velopharyngeal surgery, focused in functional and lateral muscular collapse, has translated into an increase in success rate after surgery. The relative ease of the procedure and reduction of long term complications make BRP an attractive alternative option for CPAP in OSA, in carefully selected patients.     

Trans-oral endoscopic cerclage pharyngoplasty for treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency

Objectives

Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is a common problem after cleft palate repair, it leads to speech distortion with consequent affection of speech intelligibility. Many techniques have been used in the treatment of VPI with varying results and complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of trans-oral endoscopic cerclage pharyngoplasty in the treatment of VPI.

Methods

Eighteen patients with hypernasality after palatoplasty were subjected to trans-oral endoscopic cerclage pharyngoplasty. Pre and postoperative evaluation of velopharyngeal function were performed by using auditory perceptual assessment, nasometric assessment, and flexible nasopharyngoscopy.

Results

Significant postoperative improvement of speech parameters measured with auditory perceptual assessment were achieved, and the overall postoperative nasalance score was improved significantly for nasal and oral sentences. Also, flexible nasopharyngoscopy showed significant improvement of velopharyngeal closure. No marked postoperative complications were reported apart from throat pain and dysphagia that disappeared with time.

Conclusions

Trans-oral endoscopic cerclage pharyngoplasty is an effective method for the treatment of VPI.     

Short-term postoperative CPAP may improve the outcomes of velopharyngeal surgery for obstructive sleep apnea

PurposeTo evaluate the effects of short-term postoperative continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on the outcomes of velopharyngeal surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Materials and methodsThis study included 119 OSA patients who underwent velopharyngeal surgery. Based on the results of postoperative pulse oximetry, the patients were divided into 3 groups: intervention, control, and observation. Patients with oxygen desaturation index (ODI) > 10 and lowest SpO₂ < 90% were randomly assigned to the CPAP intervention group and non-CPAP control. Patients with ODI ≤10 or lowest SpO₂ ≥ 90% were assigned to the non-CPAP observation group. Patients in the intervention group completed at least 3 months of CPAP treatment. Postoperative polysomnography data were compared to assess the difference of prognosis between the three groups.ResultsBaseline data showed no significant differences between the three groups except the observational group showed a significantly larger tonsil size relative to the intervention and control groups. However, there was no significant difference in terms of tonsil size between the control and intervention groups. The surgical success rate of the intervention group was 80.65%, whereas it was 55.17% in the control group, with significant difference. The success rate of the observation group was 85.71% which was significantly different from that of the control group, but not the intervention group.ConclusionShort-term postoperative CPAP treatment may improve the outcomes of velopharyngeal surgery for OSA in patients who have respiratory events related hypoxia after surgery. Further studies are necessary for the underlying mechanisms.     

CPAP治疗腭裂术后鼻音功能亢进的个案研究

目的 通过对一例腭裂术后腭咽闭合功能不全患者进行治疗,探索解决此类患者鼻音功能亢进问题的有效方法.方法 对该患者实施持续正性气压通气（continuous positive airway pressure, CPAP）治疗,利用＂鼻流量检测仪＂监控其鼻音功能改善情况.采用单一被试实验设计,检验患者治疗前后鼻流量各项指标是否存在差异.结果 该患者发/a/、/i/、/u/音和说＂姥姥有鱼＂句子时的鼻流量均有明显下降.结论 CPAP治疗对于改善腭裂术后因腭咽闭合不全所致的鼻音功能亢进为有效.     

Pharyngeal wall and soft palate motion after two common speech surgeries

PurposeTo assess how pharyngeal wall and soft palate motion are affected after two common interventions for velopharyngeal insufficiency.Materials and methodsA retrospective observational study was performed. A database of patients who had undergone Furlow palatoplasty or pharyngeal flap surgery between 2011 and 2019 and had video-archived preoperative and postoperative nasopharyngoscopy recordings was created. Recordings were deidentified and randomized, with 5 randomly-selected videos duplicated to determine intra-rater reliability. The videos were scored by 3 experienced raters using a modified Golding-Kushner scale. Pre- and postoperative scores were compared using paired t-test. Inter- and intra-rater reliability were estimated using intra-class correlation (ICC).ResultsThere were 17 patients who met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 6.9 years (range 3–22 years, 59% male). In the Furlow palatoplasty group (n = 9), an increase in left soft palate motion was noted postoperatively (t(8) = 2.71, p = 0.02). In the pharyngeal flap group (n = 8), increases in lateral pharyngeal wall motion (left: t(7) = 3.58, p = 0.008, right: t(7) = 3.84, p = 0.006) and right soft palate motion (t(6) = 2.49, p = 0.04) were identified. Intra-rater reliability and inter-rater agreement were lower than prior studies utilizing the Golding Kushner scale.ConclusionsOur results provide objective evidence that Furlow palatoplasty and pharyngeal flap surgeries achieve velopharyngeal closure by increasing movement at different anatomical sites. Palatal and pharyngeal wall motion observed during preoperative nasopharyngoscopy may influence a surgeon's choice of intervention.     

The occurrence of velopharyngeal insufficiency in Pierre Robin Sequence patients

Objective

Children born with Pierre-Robin Sequence (PRS) have cleft palate, micrognathia, and macroglossia. After the repair of the cleft palate, velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) can occur in a subset of patients. We hypothesize that the need for the surgical correction of VPI in PRS children is no different than cleft palate only (CPO) patients.

Methods

A retrospective study of 21 children with non-syndromic PRS who were matched to 42 non-syndromic, CPO controls for age and sex. We reviewed incidence of VPI, the need for secondary speech surgery, and speech outcomes post-operatively.

Results

Secondary surgery to correct VPI was necessary in 3 of 21 (14.29%) PRS patients (2 Pharyngeal Flaps, 1 Z-plasty), vs. 10 of 42 (23.81%) CPO (9 Pharyngeal Flaps, 1 Z-plasty) controls. Mean age for VPI surgery for PRS vs. controls: 5.33 vs. 6.41 years, respectively. For final speech outcomes, 73.68% of PRS vs. 71.88% of controls showed no evidence of hypernasality, 89.47% of PRS patients vs. 93.75% of controls showed no evidence of hyponasality, and 76.47% of PRS patients vs. 78.13% of controls had normal velopharyngeal competence (p > 0.90 for all three measures).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that children born with a Pierre-Robin Sequence do not have a higher rate of post-operative VPI after cleft palate repair and are no more likely to require additional surgical intervention.     

Blowing time ratio and high-resolution manometry to evaluate swallowing function of patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer

ObjectiveThe blowing time ratio, which is the ratio of the blowing time when the nostrils are open and closed, is significantly correlated with velopharyngeal pressure, not only during speech but also during swallowing. This study aimed to further evaluate the usefulness of the blowing time ratio as a screening tool to evaluate the swallowing pressure of patients treated for oral and oropharyngeal cancers using high-resolution manometery (HRM).MethodsTen patients treated for oral or oropharyngeal cancer were recruited for this study. Swallowing pressures at the velopharynx, oropharynx, and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) were measured using HRM. Their correlations with the blowing time ratio were analyzed.ResultsThe blowing time ratio was significantly correlated with the swallowing pressures of the oropharynx (CC = 0.815, p = 0.004) and the velopharynx (CC = 0.657, p = 0.039), but not of the UES.ConclusionsThe present results further support our previous finding that the blowing time ratio is a useful screening tool to evaluate velopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swallowing pressures in patients treated for oral and oropharyngeal cancer.     

Important points for primary cleft palate repair for speech derived from speech outcome after three different types of palatoplasty

ObjectiveThis study was performed to investigate speech outcomes after three different types of palatoplasty for the same cleft type. The objective of this study was to investigate the surgical techniques that are essential for normal speech on the basis of each surgical characteristic.MethodsThirty-eight consecutive nonsyndromic patients with unilateral complete cleft of the lip, alveolus, and palate were enrolled in this study. Speech outcomes, i.e., nasal emission, velopharyngeal insufficiency, and malarticulation after one-stage pushback (PB), one-stage modified Furlow (MF), or conventional two-stage MF palatoplasty, were evaluated at 4 (before intensive speech therapy) and 8 (after closure of oronasal fistula/unclosed hard palate) years of age.ResultsVelopharyngeal insufficiency at 4 (and 8) years of age was present in 5.9% (0.0%), 0.0% (0.0%), and 10.0% (10.0%) of patients who underwent one-stage PB, one-stage MF, or two-stage MF palatoplasty, respectively. No significant differences in velopharyngeal function were found among these three groups at 4 and 8 years of age. Malarticulation at 4 years of age was found in 35.3%, 10.0%, and 63.6% of patients who underwent one-stage PB, one-stage MF, and two-stage MF palatoplasty, respectively. Malarticulation at 4 years of age was significantly related to the presence of a fistula/unclosed hard palate (P < 0.01). One-stage MF palatoplasty that was not associated with postoperative oronasal fistula (ONF) showed significantly better results than two-stage MF (P < 0.01). Although the incidences of malarticulation at 8 years of age were decreased in each group compared to at 4 years of age, the incidence was still high in patients treated with two-stage MF (45.5%). On the whole, there was a significant correlation between ONF/unclosed hard palate at 4 years of age and malarticulation at 8 years of age (P < 0.05).ConclusionAppropriate muscle sling formation can compensate for a lack of retropositioning of the palate for adequate velopharyngeal closure. Early closure of the whole palate and the absence of a palatal fistula were confirmed to be essential for normal speech. To avoid fistula formation, multilayer repair of the whole palate may be critical.     

Analysis of the curative effect of a domestic ear orthosis system in the treatment of congenital auricle deformity

ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effect and determinants of jingle ear orthosis in the correction of infant ear malformation and to evaluate its clinical application value.MethodsIn this retrospective study, 156 patients with 233 ears who had used the beautiful ear orthosis system in Jiangxi Province in the last 3 years were included. The patients were grouped according to age at initial correction, sex, and type of deformity, and data on duration and age of orthotic use and complications were obtained.ResultsWe studied 156 paediatric cases with 233 ear deformities, 79 of which were single-ear deformities. In total, 77 cases had an ear shape deformity, and an implicit ear was the most common deformity. For a good therapeutic effect evaluation standard above 96.57%, the mean duration of follow-up was 1 month. The initial correction age was an important factor in the correction effect while gender had no obvious influence. The difference in the mean wearing time was not statistically significant (p = 0.233, p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the ratio of correcting effects between the 6 types of deformities that were excellent or good (p = 0.086, p > 0.05).ConclusionsDomestic auricle orthosis is an effective nonsurgical treatment for ear malformation. The correction effect is related to the initial correction age. The younger the child is, the better the treatment effect is, and the shorter the treatment time is. Complications are common in older infants. Therefore, prompt non-surgical correction performed can improve the effective rate of treatment.     

Radiation exposure from videofluoroscopic swallow studies in children with a type 1 laryngeal cleft and pharyngeal dysphagia: A retrospective review

IntroductionRadiation exposure is recognized as having long term consequences, resulting in increased risks over the lifetime. Children, in particular, have a projected lifetime risk of cancer, which should be reduced if within our capacity. The objective of this study is to quantify the amount of ionizing radiation in care for children being treated for aspiration secondary to a type 1 laryngeal cleft. With this baseline data, strategies can be developed to create best practice pathways to maintain quality of care while minimizing radiation exposure.MethodsRetrospective review of 78 children seen in a tertiary pediatric aerodigestive center over a 5 year period from 2008 to 2013 for management of a type 1 laryngeal cleft. The number of videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) per child was quantified, as was the mean effective dose of radiation exposure. The 78 children reviewed were of mean age 19.9 mo (range 4 mo–12 years). All children were evaluated at the aerodigestive center with clinical symptomatology and subsequent diagnosis of a type 1 laryngeal cleft. Aspiration was assessed via VFSS and exposure data collected. Imaging exams where dose parameters were not available were excluded.ResultsThe mean number of VFSS each child received during the total course of treatment was 3.24 studies (range 1–10). The average effective radiation dose per pediatric VFSS was 0.16 mSv (range: 0.03 mSv–0.59 mSv) per study. Clinical significance was determined by comparison to a pediatric CXR. At our facility a CXR yields an effective radiation dose of 0.017 mSv. Therefore, a patient receives an equivalent total of 30.6 CXR over the course of management.ConclusionsRadiation exposure has known detrimental effects particularly in pediatric patients. The total ionizing radiation from VFSS exams over the course of management of aspiration has heretofore not been reported in peer reviewed literature. With this study's data in mind, future developments are indicated to create innovative clinical pathways and limit radiation exposure.     

Adaptation of nasometry to Hungarian language and experiences with its clinical application

OBJECTIVES: (1) To adopt the nasometry for the Hungarian language and to obtain normative nasalance scores. (2) To compare our results with the data of other languages and to evaluate the correlation between nasalance scores and perceptual ratings of nasality. (3) To use the nasometry in various fields of the otolaryngological, phoniatric, and logopedic diagnostics, therapy and documentation. METHODS: (1) To determine the normative nasalance scores regarding the Hungarian language, we included 30 children aged 5-7 years and 45 adults in the 20-25 years age group. In the latter group 15 subjects were speech therapists and 30 phonetically untrained people-15 males and 15 females. Study design: phonation of isolated vowels, articulation of spirants, cyclical repetition of affricates, pronunciation of various (oral, nasal, mixed type) sentences and evaluation of the nasalance score in continuous speech. (2) Thirty-six persons (12 speech pathologists, 12 logopedic students, 12 phonetically uneducated individuals) evaluated the children's physiological and nasal speech recordings with a 3-point scale. (3) Two hundred and forty-eight children of kindergarten age were examined, 20 infants and 6 adult singers in the following fields: evaluation of hypernasality due to cleft palate or velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), and of the success of the therapy; examination of hyponasality in cases of enlarged adenoid and allergic rhinitis; evaluation of the speech of hard-of-hearing people; differentiation between nasal sigmatism and hyperrhinophony; testing of the resonance in professional singers; examination of infant cry; application of nasometry in the therapy. RESULTS: The mean value of the nasalance score using the oral sentence: "Zsuzsi kutyája ugat" is 11-13%, in the nasal sentence ("A majom banánt enne") 56%, while that of the mixed sentence representing the Hungarian language ("Jó napot kívánok!") falls in the 30-40% range. The resonance grows with aging and there is no significant difference between genders. The nasalance score is greater with phonetically trained people. Our data correlate with the values of other languages. The correlation is significant between the nasalance scores and perceived nasality (r=0.901). Practical results: Values above 40% in cases of VPI using mixed sentences may support the indication of velopharyngoplasty, together with the subjective evaluation of nasality and other tests. In cases with rhinitis and adenoid vegetation the nasalance score remains below 20%. The nasality value is increased in sensorineural hearing loss, and is decreased in cases with conducting hearing impairment. In nasal sigmatism not the vowels' but the nasality of consonants grow. The difference between the nasalance score of the cry in clefted and non-cleft infants is significant (26% versus 36%): this observation could give possibility in the future to screen babies with congenital hearing problems or hidden VPI. Alterations in nasalance can be documented with nasometry in professional singers when they increase the nasal resonance to grow the power capacity of their voice. The nasometry procedure is a significant help also in speech therapy through the real time visual and auditive control. CONCLUSIONS: The otolaryngological, phoniatric and logopedic diagnostics and therapy is significantly widened with nasometry which is a quick, non-invasive and objective procedure, measuring the nasal resonance of the speech.