Modified Z-Palatoplasty for Correction of Acquired Nasopharyngeal Stenosis Following Palatal Surgery: A Case Series.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of a novel surgical technique in management of nasopharyngeal stenosis (NPS), describing its steps and results. Study

Design

Prospective clinical trial.

SETTING

This study was conducted at the Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Department, Zagazig University.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted on patients with snoring ± obstructive sleep apnea due to acquired postsurgical NPS of grade Ι and ΙΙ. New surgical repair was employed on the patients and the pre and postoperative results were statistically compared.

RESULTS

The grade of NPS improved significantly postoperatively (P = .00136) throughout a follow-up of 1 year. Postoperatively, there was statistically significant improvement of apnea hypopnea index (P = .0005), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) of nasal obstruction (P < .0001) and VAS of snoring (P < .0001). Dysphagia showed early worsening, but it improved completely at 3 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

The utilized novel procedure appears effective, low cost, and easily applicable, and it does not require implants, special tools, or suture materials. Furthermore, it gives excellent results, with negligible pain, and rapid recovery without significant complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.