Adenoid hypertrophy causing obstructive sleep apnea in children after pharyngeal flap surgery.

PURPOSE: Pharyngeal flap surgery used for treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) may be followed by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) especially if the patient has developed adenoid hypertrophy. However, adenoidectomy may adversely affect speech in these patients. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of transnasal endoscopic power-assisted adenoidectomy in relieving OSA in patients with adenoid hypertrophy who underwent pharyngeal flap surgery, and the impact of the procedure on their speech. METHODS: Transnasal endoscopic power-assisted adenoidectomy for nine children presenting with adenoid hypertrophy was performed. The patients had previously undergone pharyngeal flap surgery for treatment of VPI. Flexible nasopharyngoscopy was used in the diagnosis of adenoid hypertrophy. Pre- and postoperative polysomnography with measurement of apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was done. Additionally, auditory perceptual assessment of speech (APA) and nasalance scores was measured pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: All patients were shown to have OSA by polysomnography, and a larger adenoid size was significantly associated with a higher AHI. We achieved a significant improvement in AHI after adenoidectomy. However, six patients still demonstrated OSA, albeit with a reduced severity. Speech was not adversely affected postoperatively as the APA and nasalance scores showed non-significant changes. CONCLUSION: Adenoid hypertrophy may be encountered in children who undergo pharyngeal flap surgery, which may cause OSA. Transnasal endoscopic power-assisted adenoidectomy is a safe and effective method for treatment of OSA in those patients without prejudicing the pharyngeal flap, and it has no adverse effect on speech.

Treatment of post-adenotonsillectomy velopharyngeal stenosis with bivalved uvular flaps.

OBJECTIVE: Velopharyngeal stenosis (VS) is a rare devastating complication of adenotonsillectomy that causes obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Its treatment is challenging and has a high recurrence rate. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a bivalved uvular flap technique with topical application of mitomycin C for treatment of this problem. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Fourteen children with VS after adenotonsillectomy were treated with a bivalved uvular flap technique with application of mitomycin C after release of the adhesions and removal of scar tissue. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation of patients were performed. Flexible nasopharyngoscopy was used to assess the patency of the velopharynx, and apnea/hypopnea (A/H) index and minimum O2 saturation were measured before and after surgery. RESULTS: Adequate patent airway was obtained in all patients as seen by oropharyngeal examination and flexible nasopharyngoscopy. Additionally, significant improvement in A/H index and minimum O2 saturation were achieved postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The bivalved uvular flap technique with topical application of mitomycin C after removal of scar tissue is an effective treatment for VS that may follow adenotonsillectomy in children.

The effect of hypertrophied tonsils on the velopharyngeal function in children with normal palate.

OBJECTIVE: Tonsillar hypertrophy may affect velopharyngeal closure and speech resonance. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of hypertrophied tonsils on velopharyngeal function in children with normal palate and to measure the effect of tonsillectomy on velopharyngeal closure and speech resonance. METHODS: Eighty seven children with hypertrophied tonsils and normal palate were subjected to tonsillectomy for indications other than speech problems. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation of velopharyngeal function was performed. Auditory perceptual assessment of speech (APA) and nasometric assessment of nasalance was measured, and velopharyngeal closure was evaluated by flexible nasopharyngoscopy. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were excluded from the study because of associated adenoid hypertrophy. The mean baseline of APA scores showed insignificant changes postoperatively. However, significant postoperative changes of nasometric parameters were detected, and the overall postoperative nasalance score was improved for nasal and oral sentences. Also, improvement of velopharyngeal closure was observed postoperatively with accession of palatal mobility and significant increase in coronal closure pattern. CONCLUSION: hypertrophied tonsils may impair velopharyngeal function in children with normal palate by hindering palatal elevation. Tonsillectomy is a beneficial procedure for such patients as it can improve the velopharyngeal closure and speech resonance.