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Evaluation of velopharyngeal function after relocation pharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea
Hsueh-Yu Li1, Li-Ang Lee, Tuan-Jen Fang
1Department of Otolaryngology, Sleep Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan. hyli38@adm.cgmh.org.tw
The Laryngoscope
|February 16, 2010
Summary
Relocation pharyngoplasty (RP) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) does not cause velopharyngeal dysfunction. Speech and voice assessments showed no significant changes after RP, indicating it is safe for velopharyngeal function.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Sleep Medicine
- Speech Science
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition often treated with surgical interventions.
- Relocation pharyngoplasty (RP) is a surgical technique used for OSA, but its effect on velopharyngeal function is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of relocation pharyngoplasty (RP) on velopharyngeal function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- To assess changes in nasalance, nasality, voice, and articulation following RP.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, comparative study involving 24 OSA patients undergoing RP.
- Velopharyngeal function was assessed using measurements of nasalance, nasality tests, acoustic voice analysis, and articulation tests before and 3 months after surgery.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in nasality, voice, or articulation post-RP.
- A significant decrease in nasalance for the vowel /a/ was noted, attributed to the surgical advancement of the soft palate.
- Overall, RP did not induce detrimental velopharyngeal dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Relocation pharyngoplasty for OSA does not lead to velopharyngeal insufficiency concerning voice, nasality, and articulation.
- RP induces a non-detrimental change in nasalance, likely due to anatomical alterations facilitating velopharyngeal closure.
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