Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026

Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion During Breathing and Swallowing
Published on: December 1, 2023
Geniotubercle advancement with a uvulopalatal flap and its effect on swallow function in obstructive sleep apnea
Joseph W Rohrer1, Robert Eller, Phyllis G Santillan
1Department of Otolaryngology , San Antonio Military Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A.
Objectives/Hypothesis:
Evaluate swallowing characteristics before and after geniotubercle advancement (GTA) with a uvulopalatal flap (UPF).
Study Design:
Prospective case control series in an academic military practice.
Methods:
Fourteen patients with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) >10 scheduled for GTA were enrolled consecutively, eight of whom completed all aspects of the study for evaluation. Video fluoroscopic swallow study was performed preoperatively and 4 months postoperatively. National Institute of Health freeware ImageJ64 software was used to measure hyolaryngeal elevation and displacement. Video recordings assessed vallecular pooling, aspiration, and bolus movement. Studies were reviewed by a speech pathologist and an otolaryngologist.
Results:
Preoperatively, the mean AHI was 48.3 ± 48.45 events per hour, with a median of 48.5 (range, 12.4-76). Postoperatively the mean AHI was 11.6 ± 10.7 events per hour, with a median of 10.75 (range, 3.8-29) (P = .003). There was no reported pre- or postoperative dysphagia or aspiration. No radiographic evidence of silent aspiration was seen. Hyolaryngeal movements were measured as a percentage of C2-C4 reference distance. The superior elevations were pre- and postoperatively 40% and 37% (P = .85), anterior displacement changes 18.9% and 18.8% (P = .23), and total motion 49% and 42% (P = .26), respectively.
Conclusions:
GTA with UPF surgery did not significantly affect the hyolaryngeal function of patients.
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