A follow-up study on velopharyngeal airway condition post pharyngoplasty / 华西口腔医学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe changes in velopharyngeal airway condition post pharyngoplasty.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>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.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>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.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Average obstruction duration post pharyngoplasty is 42.8 d. Oral respiration and snoring are common complications.</p>