Surgical management of velopharyngeal incompetence in velocardiofacial syndrome

To analyze the results of surgery for velopharyngeal incompetence (VPI) in velocardiofacial syndrome.

Prospective data collection, with randomized, blind assessment of speech and velopharyngeal function on lateral videofluoroscopy and nasendoscopy.

Two-site, tertiary referral cleft unit.

Forty-two consecutive patients with the 22q11 deletion underwent surgery for symptomatic VPI by a single surgeon.

Intraoral examinations, lateral videofluoroscopy (+/- nasendoscopy) and intraoperative evaluation of the position of the velar muscles through the operating microscope. Based on these findings, either a radical dissection and retropositioning of the velar muscles (submucous cleft palate [SMCP repair]) or a Hynes pharyngoplasty (posterior pharyngeal wall augmentation pharyngoplasty) was performed. As anticipated, a proportion of patients undergoing SMCP repair subsequently required a Hynes. The aim of this staged approach was to maximize velar function, thereby enabling a less obstructive pharyngoplasty to be performed. Thus, there were three surgical groups for analysis: SMCP alone, Hynes alone, and SMCP+Hynes.

Blind perceptual rating of resonance and nasal airflow; blind assessment of velopharyngeal function on lateral videofluoroscopy and nasendoscopy; and identification of predictive factors.

Significant improvement in hypernasality in all three groups. The SMCP+Hynes group also showed significant improvement in nasal emission. There were significant improvements in the extended and resting velar lengths following SMCP repair and a trend toward increased velocity of closure.

Depending on velopharyngeal anatomy and function, there is a role for SMCP repair, Hynes pharyngoplasty, and a staged combination of SMCP+Hynes, all of which are procedures with a low morbidity.