Results
Eleven patients were included; nine completed the follow-up; 7 males and
2 females. Their mean age was 47.3±5.944 years (range=39-56). Eight
patients were caused by UPPP while one caused by adenotonsillectomy. The
duration between the causative operation and the NPS repair ranged
between 6 and 21 years (mean=1.56±4.6). Preoperatively, the NPS was
grade 1 in two patients (22.2%) and grade 2 in 7 patients (77.8%).
The operative bleeding was non-significant and recovery was eventless in
all cases. The mean postoperative hospitalization was 1.8±1.03
(range=1-4) days. Noinfection, primary or secondary hemorrhages were
reported. Postoperative pain was tolerated and controlled by paracetamol
orally and was completely relieved within 2 weeks. All patients resumed
normal diet after 2 weeks. Five patients developed transient VPI that
was noted occasionally with drinking fluids, but did not interfere with
normal diet and disappeared completely within 3 months with no permanent
VPI. No patients developed palatal fistula or restenosis
>50%.
The grade of NPS improved significantly postoperatively
(X2=13.2, p=0.00136) throughout the follow up of one
year. Preoperatively, all patients had OSA that was objectively
documented by polysomnography with AHI ranged between 5.6 and 38.8
(mean= 23.2±9.37). Postoperatively, the AHI showed significant
improvement to a mean of 12.35±3.75 (t=5.0089, p=0.0005) (Table 1).
The encountered complications were temporary and related to
postoperative dry throat, and inability to clear the throat. Dysphagia
showed early worsening but it improved completely at three months
postoperatively and remained throughout the follow-up period (Table 2).