Nasoendoscopic findings after primary palatal surgery: can the Furlow technique result in a smaller velopharyngeal gap?

Introduction: The nasoendoscopic exam allows for visualization of the structures of the velopharynx during rest and during speech and can help the diagnostic and the identification of the best treatment approach to correct velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD). Since the Furlow technique can lead to a longer velum by means of repositioning the muscles fibers of the soft palate, this study investigates the following question: Do patients who have undergone palatal surgery with the Furlow technique, who remained with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), present smaller velopharyngeal gap than those operated with the von Langenbeck technique? Objective: To compare the nasoendoscopic findings between patients who received the Furlow technique and those who received the von Langenbeck technique for the primary palatal repair. Material and Methods: The nasoendoscopic exams analyzed in this study were retrieved from a bank of nasoendoscopic exams of the Projeto Florida/HRAC/USP. The sample consisted of 70 recorded nasoendoscopic exams obtained from 22 patients who received the F and 48 who received the vL during primary palatoplasty. The patients, both genders, presented with VPI after palatoplasty and were submitted to nasoendoscopic examination, between the ages of 5y and 15 y (mean=8y), for definition of the best treatment approach to correct VPI. The images were edited into a DVD in a randomized sequence to be judged by three experienced speech-language pathologists (SLP), who rated: displacement and excursion of the soft palate; maximum displacement and excursion of lateral pharyngeal walls, displacement and excursion of the posterior pharyngeal wall, presence of Passavant´s pad, and size and type of velopharyngeal gap. Results: Mean intrajudge reliability was almost perfect and found at a 86% level (Kappa) for most parameters rated. Comparison of ratings between F and vL groups revealed a difference that was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The surgical technique used in primary palatoplasty was not relevant to determining difference in the size of the velopharyngeal gap for patients who remained with VPI after primary surgery. (AU)