Subscribe to RSS
DOI: 10.4103/0970-0358.113716
Is there an optimal resting velopharyngeal gap in operated cleft palate patients?
Publication History
Publication Date:
07 October 2019 (online)
ABSTRACT
Context: Videofluoroscopy in operated cleft palate patients. Aims: To determine the existence of an optimal resting velopharyngeal (VP) gap in operated cleft palate patients Settings and Design: A retrospective analysis of lateral view videofluoroscopy of operated cleft palate patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 117 cases of operated cleft palate underwent videofluoroscopy between 2006 and 2011. The lateral view of videofluoroscopy was utilised in the study. A retrospective analysis of the lateral view of videofluoroscopy of these 117 patients was performed to analyse the resting VP gap and its relationship to VP closure. Statistical analysis used: None. Results: Of the 117 cases, 35 had a resting gap of less than 6 mm, 34 had a resting gap between 6 and 10 mm and 48 patients had a resting gap of more than 10 mm. Conclusions: The conclusive finding was that almost all the patients with a resting gap of <6 mm (group C) achieved radiological closure of the velopharynx with speech; thus, they had the least chance of VP insufficiency (VPI). Those patients with a resting gap of >10 mm (group A) did not achieve VP closure on phonation, thus having full-blown VPI. Therefore, it can be concluded that the ideal resting VP gap is approximately 6 mm so as to get the maximal chance of VP closure and thus prevent VPI.
- 1 Marsh JL. Velo-pharyngeal dysfunction: Evaluation and management. Indian J Plast Surg 2009;42 Suppl:S129-36.
- 2 Marsh JL. The evaluation and management of velopharyngeal dysfunction. Clin Plast Surg 2004;31:261-9.
- 3 Marsh JL. Management of velopharyngeal dysfunction: Differential diagnosis for differential management. J Craniofac Surg 2003;14:621-8.
- 4 Lam E, Hundert S, Wilkes GH. Lateral pharyngeal wall and velar movement and tailoring velopharyngeal surgery: Determinants of velopharyngeal incompetence resolution in patients with cleft palate. Plast Reconstr Surg 2007;120:495-505.
- 5 Sommerlad BC, Mehendale FV, Birch MJ, Sell D, Hattee C, Harland K. Palate re-repair revisited. Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2002;39:295-307.