[Otorhinologic and endoscopic findings in cleft palate patients with special reference to velopharyngoplasty]

Our findings (190 patients of whom 45 underwent follow-up examination) permit the conclusion that the velopharyngoplasty according to the principle of Sanvenero-Roselli, as modified by Heiner, does not lead to an increase in tympanic findings (preoperatively, 73%; postoperatively, 71%). The evaluation of the results from tube function testing by means of the pressure difference method reveals an improvement in tuber aeration (preoperatively, 76% of pathological results of the hearing test; postoperatively, 55.6%). This is attributed to a functional improvement of the velopharyngeal mechanisms after velopharyngoplasty. The use of postrhinoscopic nasal endoscopy in the cleft patient and the results obtained are dealth with. The procedure permits to investigate the functional processes in the velopharyngeal region under the conditions of phonation.