Assessment of posterior pharyngeal wall augmentation in cases of velopharyngeal insufficiency by conchal cartilage graft

ABSTRACT

Posterior pharyngeal wall augmentation is an effective method for correcting mild to moderate cases of VPI. This was done on 12 patients with VPI by using a conchal cartilage with its perichondrium which was harvested from the ear. Localization of the site of implantation was determined using nasoendoscopy. This surgical technique carries many advantages as it allows more augmentation of the posterior pharyngeal wall due to the archiform shape of the conchal cartilage which is easily taken without donor side morbidity and easy to be harvested. A larger sample is needed with long-term follow up periods. Also, the phoniatric assessment of these cases showed that the proper selection of cases with mild or moderate degrees of open nasality is essential for using this technique