Assessment of the New L Pharyngeal Flap for Velopharyngeal Insufficiency

Abstract

Objective: To assess the results of the new L pharyngeal flap for treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). Methods: This study included 60 patients who were diagnosed as persistent VPI (for > 1 year without response to speech therapy for 6 months at least). L-shaped superiorly based pharyngeal flap was tailored from oropharynx and inserted into the soft palate through a transverse full-thickness palatal incision 1 cm from the hard palate, then the distal horizontal part of the flap was spread 1 cm anteroposterior direction and 1 cm horizontally into the soft palate. Prior to and after surgery, patients were assessed by oral examination, video nasoendoscopy, and speech evaluation. Results: Postoperative speech assessment showed significant improvement in nasoendoscopic closure, speech assessment, and nasometric assessments. Grade 4 velopharyngeal valve closure (complete closure) could be achieved in 59 (98.3%) patients at 6 months postoperatively. No patients showed dehiscence (partial or total) of the flap and no obstructive sleep apnea was reported. Conclusion: The newly designed L pharyngeal flap was proved to be highly effective, reliable, and safe in treating patients with persistent VPI with easy applicability and without significant complication.