A Comprehensive Study of Pharyngeal Flap Surgery: Tailor Made Flaps

Abstract

Three methods of pharyngeal flap surgery were analyzed with multivz'ew videofluaroscopy and nasop/zaU/ngascopy at least six months post-operatively. It was found that, by varying the type of insertion of the flap into the palate, post-operative flap width could be " tailored " to the size of the gap in the vamp/laryngeal sphincter. The value of varying flap width according to gap size was assessed by analyzing speech results in 60 patients specifically assigned for narrow, moderate, or wide flaps. Results show a marked improve— ment in the effectiveness of pharyngeal flap surgery when operations are prescribed according to the degree of lateral pharyngeal wall motion seen pre—operatively.