Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2026

CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
Tonsillectomy in children with or at risk for velopharyngeal insufficiency: effects on speech
L L D'Antonio1, L S Snyder, S Samadani
1Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California, USA.
Abstract:
Recent case reports have challenged the notion that tonsillectomy is contraindicated in patients with or at risk for velopharyngeal insufficiency. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effects of tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) on perceptual speech characteristics, aerodynamic measures, and endoscopic descriptions of velopharyngeal function in a clinical population. Fifteen children 4 to 10 years of age received preoperative and postoperative evaluations. Perceptual speech characteristics improved or remained the same for most variables. There was no statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative ratings of hypernasality or frequency and severity of nasal emission. However, ratings of voice quality (pitch and breathiness) were significantly improved after surgery. Aerodynamic measures showed improvement or no change in velopharyngeal function for 12 of 15 children. Endoscopic assessment showed improvement or no change in velopharyngeal closure for 7 of 11 children tested. Cross-method analysis indicated that no single subject showed deterioration in velopharyngeal function in all three measures. The data from this investigation do not support the assumption that tonsillectomy is contraindicated for all children with or at risk for velopharyngeal insufficiency.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Larynx
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids, corniculates, and...
Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Tonsillitis II: Management
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...

