Augmentation of the failed pharyngeal flap

Pharyngeal flaps are frequently used with good results to eliminate hypernasality and/or nasal escape. In a small percentage of patients, however, cicatricial contracture of the flap occurs to such a degree that velopharyngeal incompetence returns. The authors have devised a method of augmenting the scarred flap with small, superiorly based flaps lateral and adjacent to the original flap. Four cases are presented in which speech analysis was conducted prior to the procedure and then for 9 to 24 months postoperatively. The postoperative speech results are all within normal limits.