Experience with surgical management of velopharyngeal incompetence

Accurate mapping of the defect of velopharyngeal closure in patients with velopharyngeal incompetence is paramount to the planning of an operative procedure that will have a successful outcome. Nasoendoscopy and videonasoendoscopy are valuable tools for examination of the abnormal pattern of velopharyngeal movement in patients with velopharyngeal incompetence. On the basis of the knowledge of the observed defect in velopharyngeal closure for the particular patient, a pharyngeal flap operation is planned. The flap width, level of placement of the flap base, and control of the lateral port size vary to suit each individual velopharyngeal closure defect. Postoperative speech results in 86 patients are reported.     

Experience with the surgical management of Vater's ampulla tumors

The article reviews our experience about tumours of the papilla of Vater. 30 patients were operated on between 1996-1999. The mean age was 58 years, the leading symptom (73%) was jaundice. In 23 patients preoperative ERCP was successful and was completed in 15 cases with EST, in 8 cases with biliary drainage. In 3 patients--despite benign endoscopic histology--intraoperative frozen section, and in one patient final histology confirmed malignancy. Altogether in 27 patients was malignant transformation of the papilla observed. In 15 cases pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD), in 2 cases local excision (LE), while in 10 patients palliative procedures were performed. Resection rate (PPPD + LE) was 63%, while radical resection (PPPD) was performed in 55.5% of all cases. During 26 months mean follow-up survival rate was altogether 74%, and 80% in radically resected patients. We review the literature, describe the difficulty of histological and describe our experience and practice in the treatment of this rare tumour.     

Inheritance of the accessory navicular bone

The accessory navicular bone is one of the most symptomatic bones of the foot. Although it has been reported to be present in various members of the same family, there is a lack of knowledge about its inheritance in the literature. We examined three families and suggest that it has an autosomal dominant trait with incomplete penetrance. Received: 4 August 1999