Logo image
Management of Persistent Hypernasality After Pharyngeal Flap by Revision Palatoplasty With Use of MRI to Aid Surgical Decision Making
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Management of Persistent Hypernasality After Pharyngeal Flap by Revision Palatoplasty With Use of MRI to Aid Surgical Decision Making

Jessica L Chee-Williams, Jamie L Perry, Davinder J Singh, Erik M Verhey and Thomas J Sitzman
The Cleft palate-craniofacial journal, Vol.63(4), pp.900-905
04/2026
PMID: 39692547

Abstract

Child Child, Preschool Cleft Palate - diagnostic imaging Cleft Palate - surgery Clinical Decision-Making Female Humans Infant Magnetic Resonance Imaging Male Palate, Soft - surgery Pharynx - surgery Plastic Surgery Procedures - methods Postoperative Complications - diagnostic imaging Postoperative Complications - surgery Reoperation Surgical Flaps Treatment Outcome Velopharyngeal Insufficiency - diagnostic imaging Velopharyngeal Insufficiency - etiology Velopharyngeal Insufficiency - surgery
ObjectiveDescribe surgical decision making and outcomes in a series of patients with persistent VPI after pharyngeal flap placement that were all treated with revision palatoplasty.DesignRetrospective, case series.ParticipantsFive patients with nonsyndromic cleft palate and persistent hypernasality following a pharyngeal flap. On MRI, 3 patients presented with an incohesive levator veli palatini muscle, and 4 patients had a pharyngeal flap that was below the palatal plane.InterventionsOne patient underwent straight-line intravelar veloplasty (IVVP), 2 patients underwent pharyngeal flap take-down and IVVP, and 2 patients underwent pharyngeal flap take-down and palate lengthening with buccal myomucosal flaps.Main Outcome MeasurePre- and postoperative resonance.ResultsFour of five patients (80%) achieved normal resonance 12 months postoperation.ConclusionsRevision palatoplasty may be an effective approach for treating patients with persistent hypernasality following a pharyngeal flap. MRI may aid in surgical selection based on patient-specific anatomical findings.

Details

Logo image