Bivalved Palatal Transposition Flaps for the Correction of Acquired Nasopharyngeal Stenosis

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal stenosis is almost universally an iatrogenic problem resulting from surgical trauma after adenotonsillectomy or uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). In addition, laser-assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for the treatment of snoring may lead to the development of cicatricial scarring and stenosis at the level of the velopharynx. The most common mechanisms implicated in the development of acquired nasopharyngeal stenosis are the overzealous removal of inferolateral adenoid tissue and excessive excision of the palatopharyngeal arches. Symptoms generally relate to a disturbance in respiration, olfaction, voice quality, and deglutition, and are often poorly tolerated. Surgical options for the correction of this challenging problem include steroid injections, scar lysis, skin grafts, Z-plasty repair, and the use of various local mucosal flaps. We report the successful use of bivalved palatal transposition flaps performed through the transoral route for the correction of severe acquired nasopharyngeal stenosis following UPPP in two patients. Both patients developed delayed nasopharyngeal stenosis following their initial surgery and subsequently failed several attempts at surgical correction of the stenosis, including laser lysis of the scarred soft palate. Using this technique of repair, both patients achieved satisfactory resolution of their symptoms, including comfortable nasal breathing and normal speech. We have found that this is a simple and effective technique for the correction of severe nasopharyngeal stenosis.