Minimal incision palatopharyngoplasty. A preliminary report.

A new palatopharyngoplasty which allows good muscular reorientation as well as elongation of the soft palate with minimal morbidity and scarring has been developed, and 66 selected patients underwent the procedure during the period September 1989 to March 1993. The most important findings were reduced operative bleeding, good length and mobility of the soft palate, and minimal scarring. A total of seven fistulas (11%) developed. Twenty-three patients (mean age 6 years and 2 months at the time of operation) underwent nasopharyngoscopy and multiview videofluoroscopy; velopharyngeal insufficiency was evident in only four (17%). Dental casts were obtained in 14 patients (mean age at the time of the operation 1 year, 3 months) who were followed up for a maximum period of two years. No postoperative orthodontic treatment was required and the width and harmony of the dental arch were maintained in all cases.