Lateral pharyngeal flap with a double pedicle for repair of unilateral velopharyngeal insufficiency.

Objectives: Conventional pharyngeal flap surgery, which closes the median portion of the velopharynx, has been performed for dysarthria patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). However, for VPI due to unilateral pharyngeal paralysis, median closing disrupts pharyngeal contraction of the unaffected side and allows pharyngeal pressure to escape through the nose at the lateral portion of the affected side during speech and swallowing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of lateral pharyngeal flap (LPF) surgery for unilateral VPI.
Methods: Seven patients with unilateral VPI (five males and two females with an average age of 54 years) underwent LPF surgery combined with other transoral surgeries for dysphagia. The LPF surgical technique was as follows: after the laterocaudal-based pedicle flap of the soft palate and cranial-based pedicle flap of the posterior pharyngeal wall on the affected side were transorally elevated, each mucosal pedicle flap was sutured together. Functional oral intake scale (FOIS) scores and swallowing pressure before and after surgery were compared.
Results: Unilateral velopharyngeal closure preserved nasal breathing after LPF surgery in all patients. Rhinolalia aperta improved postoperatively in all patients except one. The mean FOIS scores were 2.3 preoperatively and 3.7, 5.3, and 5.9 at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 6 months postoperatively, respectively. The mean pressures significantly increased at the velopharynx (from 49±30mmHg to 92±45mmHg) and oropharynx (from 48±18mmHg to 66±15mmHg) six months after the surgery.
Conclusion: LPF surgery leaving the unaffected side intact can be an effective surgical procedure for patients with unilateral VPI.
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