Retropharyngeal lipostructure in the treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency: A prospective study and update

Retropharyngeal lipostructure is a recent procedure in velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), offering an effective alternative to heavier surgery.

To update and assess retropharyngeal lipostructure as a treatment for VPI in the University Hospital Center of Rouen (France).

Single-center prospective study, from May 2012 to May 2014.

Six patients (4 girls, 2 boys) presenting with VPI were treated by retropharyngeal lipostructure. Age at surgery ranged between 6 and 12 years. Four of the patients bore a 22q11 microdeletion. Treatment was indicated in case of Borel-Maisonny type 2b (n=2) or 2m (n=4) despite well-conducted speech therapy and of≥50% velopharyngeal sphincter closure on nasal endoscopy. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at 3 months, by a multidisciplinary team. Borel-Maisonny type was assessed by a speech therapist. Nasality was measured on assisted vocal evaluation (EVA^®). Sphincter closure was assessed on dynamic MRI.

Between 6 and 8cm³autologous fat was injected. At 3months, 4 children showed 1-grade improvement in Borel-Maisonny type. Nasality decreased systematically, from a mean 14.5% preoperatively to 10.5% postoperatively. MRI showed improvement in all cases, with complete closure in occlusive vowels in 3 children.

EVA^® and MRI provide precise objective assessment of VPI. Retropharyngeal lipostructure is a simple, relatively non-invasive, reproducible technique, providing good results in VPI.