Abstract:

Objective  To observe changes in velopharyngeal airway condition post pharyngoplasty. Methods  Thirty-five patients underwent sphincter pharyngoplasty (SPP) or pharyngeal flap (PF). The follow-up period was approximately six months. Duration of velopharyngeal airway obstruction was recorded. Results  Average obstruction duration was (42.8 ± 32.4) d. No significant difference in obstruction duration was found between the SPP and PF groups . Twenty-eight patients complained of mouth and lip dryness. Thirty-four patients experienced snoring while sleeping. Conclusion  Average obstruc-tion duration post pharyngoplasty is 42.8 d. Oral respiration and snoring are common complications.

Key words: cleft palate, velopharyngeal insufficiency, sphincter pharyngoplasty, pharyngeal flap