Work

Retrospective evaluation of velopharyngeal insufficiency treated with Orticochea pharyngoplasty in cleft palate patients

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study evaluated the outcomes of perceptual speech, breathing, snoring, and nasal regurgitation following Orticochea pharyngoplasty, and investigated patient characteristics associated with the resolution or improvement of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in cleft patients. The study involved a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent Orticochea pharyngoplasty for VPI management between 2016 and 2024 in the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Woman-Mother-Child Hospital, Lyon, France. Demographic data, speech and breathing characteristics, and the presence of snoring and nasal regurgitation were recorded using a standardized protocol. Preoperative and postoperative VPI severity was assessed using the Borel-Maisonny scale. All 89 patients included in the study had at least minimal VPI preoperatively (stage IIB), with 83% graded as having moderate or severe VPI. Improvement was observed in 88.76% of the patients after one surgery, and in 98.9% following a second surgery. Orticochea pharyngoplasty improved physiological breathing rates by 22% and reduced nasal regurgitation in 75% of the cases. This indicated that Orticochea pharyngoplasty is a reliable, safe, and reproducible surgical technique. • Orticochea pharyngoplasty (OP) significantly improves speech outcomes in patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) related to cleft palate. • The initial success rate in this study was 88.76%, which increased to 98.9% after secondary surgery. • OP enhanced physiological breathing rates by 22% and reduced nasal regurgitation in 75% of the cases. • OP proved to be a safe, reliable, and reproducible technique with minimal complications, including transient postoperative snoring. • The results of this study support the use of OP as a standard surgical option for VPI in cleft palate patients.

Source: Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2025.01.034

Authors: Arnaud Meon, Edouard Lange, Bruno Sarrodet, Arnaud Gleizal, Julie Chauvel-Picard

Institutions: Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Université Jean Monnet, Université Jean Monnet, Lyon 1 Université

Language: English

Topic: Cleft Lip and Palate Research

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,784