Cicatricial Velopharyngeal Stenosis

Abstract

• Cicatricial velopharyngeal stenosis is a complication of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, posterior nasal packing, and instrumentation produced swelling and ulceration of the oropharyngeal mucosa. Prolonged intubation compounded the problem by pushing the freshly cut surface of the velum against a raw oropharyngeal wall, thus causing synechiae and, ultimately, stenosis. A surgical technique using a pharyngeal rotation flap and a free graft is proposed to treat this condition. (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1988;114:192-194)