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Facial Plast Surg 2007; 23(2): 128-139
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-979282
Copyright © 2007 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Management of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency: Development of a Protocol and Modifications of Sphincter Pharyngoplasty

Kathleen C.Y Sie1 , Eunice Y. Chen1
  • 1Pediatric Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Publication History

Publication Date:
21 May 2007 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Velopharyngeal closure is required for normal speech production. Incomplete velopharyngeal closure manifests as resonance disorders and nasal air escape. Management of velopharyngeal insufficiency requires a general knowledge of speech production as well as a more detailed understanding of the velopharyngeal mechanism. Comprehensive evaluation by a velopharyngeal insufficiency team includes medical assessment focusing on airway obstructive symptoms, perceptual speech analysis, and instrumental assessment, which is utilized to characterize the velopharyngeal gap. Options for intervention include speech therapy, intraoral prosthetic devices, and surgery. Surgical interventions can be categorized as palatal, palatopharyngeal, or pharyngeal procedures. The therapeutic challenge lies in achieving velopharyngeal closure during speech production while maintaining patency of the upper airway. We present our protocol for evaluation of velopharyngeal function with a focus on indications for palatoplasty and pharyngoplasty. We also discuss surgical modifications of sphincter pharyngoplasty.

KEYWORDS

Palatoplasty - cleft palate - velopharyngeal insufficiency - pharyngoplasty - review

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Kathleen C.Y SieM.D. 

Associate Professor, Pediatric Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Director, Childhood Communication Center, Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, University of Washington

W-7729, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105

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