Repeat Buccal Flaps Successfully Reduce Hypernasality in a Patient with Cleft Palate

Abstract

Surgical intervention can contribute to the development of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) leading to hypernasality and regurgitation. In this case, a patient with a history of bilateral buccal flaps used for her primary CP repair presented to clinic with hypernasality and VPI as assessed by speech exam and imaging. She underwent repeat bilateral buccal flap palatal lengthening with division of the pedicles 3 months later. Three months after her division, her hypernasality score improved from moderate to mild and her posterior gap decreased. This study concluded buccal flaps can be used a second time for patients needing palatal revisions for VPI.