Modified Z-palatoplasty for correction of acquired nasopharyngeal
stenosis following palatal surgery: our experience in nine patients
Abstract
Abstract Purpose: to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of a modified
Z-palatoplasty (ZPP) technique in management of post-surgical
nasopharyngeal stenosis (NPS), describing its steps and results.
Methods: This prospective study was conducted on patients with snoring±
OSA due to acquired post-surgical NPS of grade Ι and ΙΙ. Surgical repair
using a modified ZPP was employed on the patients and the pre and
postoperative results were statistically compared and adverse events
were recorded. Results: The grade of NPS improved significantly
postoperatively (p= 0.00136) throughout a follow up of one year.
Postoperatively, there was statistically significant improvement of AHI
(p= 0.0005), VAS of nasal obstruction (p<0.0001) and VAS of
snoring (p<0.0001). While transient VPI and dysphagia
disappeared within 3 months postoperatively. Conclusion: The utilized
procedure appears fast, low cost, and easily applicable, and it does not
require implants, special tools or suture materials. Furthermore, it
gives promising results, with tolerable pain, and rapid recovery without
significant or persistent complications.