Multiview videoendoscopic evaluation of velopharyngeal physiology in 15 normal speakers

Oral and nasal videoendoscopic procedures, when used in tandem, could provide a more useful analysis of velopharyngeal physiology than either procedure used alone. The purposes of this research were to document observed differences between the two approaches when applied to the examination of velopharyngeal function and to determine the advantages and disadvantages of using oral and nasal endoscopy as tandem diagnostic tools. The results indicated that patterns of velopharyngeal closure as observed from both the oral and nasal views are in approximately 60% agreement. Differences between the two perspectives most frequently involve the relative contributions of the pharyngeal walls. These differences are attributed to important physiologic variations along the vertical plane of the velopharynx. The data indicate that using oral and nasal videoendoscopy as tandem diagnostic procedures can result in improved understanding of velopharyngeal physiology. The issues of interference with speech movements and patient compliance are discussed.