A Study of Speech Surgery Procedures at Mater Dei Hospital, Malta

This study evaluated the prevalence and outcomes of speech surgery procedures performed at Mater Dei Hospital (MDH), Malta, from January 2021 to December 2023. The focus was on patient demographics, surgical history, length of inpatient stay, opioid use postoperatively, repeat surgeries, and postoperative outcomes to identify trends and areas for improvement.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on all patients who underwent speech surgery at MDH during the specified period. Data collected included patient age, gender, presence of syndromic conditions, previous surgical history, and postoperative complications.

The cohort consisted of 6 male patients, aged between 8 and 26 years, 2 of whom required repeat surgeries. Syndromic conditions were present in 2 patients (33.3%), and these included Kabuki syndrome and foetal alcohol syndrome. All patients had previously undergone cleft palate repair, highlighting the multistage nature of surgical management in these cases. Among them, 50% (n=3) had additional procedures, such as excision of an accessory digit, bilateral myringotomy with grommet placement, and orchidopexy. No severe postoperative complications were recorded, although nausea, vomiting, and feeding difficulties were observed in 66.7% (n=4) of the patients. These issues were effectively managed without leading to significant concerns. Opioid use was low, with only 33.3% (n=2) of patients having postoperative opioids. The average length of stay was 2.5 days, ranging from 1 to 5 days.

This study assessed the prevalence and outcomes of speech surgeries performed at MDH, Malta. The need for repeat surgeries in 33.3% (n=2) of cases underscores the importance of individualised and multistage surgical interventions. The low opioid use and manageable postoperative issues reflect effective pain and recovery strategies. However, ongoing comprehensive follow-up is essential to monitor long-term outcomes and further improve care strategies.