[An evaluation of the long-term results of palatopharyngeal closure function after velopharyngeal ring ligation].

16 cases were selected randomly from a group of 36 postoperative patients who underwent velopharyngeal ring ligation 16 years ago for evaluation of pronunciation, pharyngeal radiography, and electric endostroboskop to evaluate the patients' velopharygeal closure function. It was found that the pronunciation function of 93% patients were in good status. The results showed that centripetal force of velopharyngeal ring ligation made the velopharyngeal cavity reduced from the right to left and from anterior to posterior sides. It was good for sphincter of velopharyngeal moving, which could reduce the space of pharyngeal cavity and add the length of soft palate. The velopharyngeal closure was improved, which produced a good condition for the recovery of pronunciation function, at the same time, the change of pharyngeal cavity adapts to the patient's growth without limiting the growth and development of nasovelopharyngeal.