Succinct key points
- Nasopharyngeal stenosis (NPS) is one of the challenging problems that
can complicate palatal surgeries. Numerous diverse surgical
interventions have been used to correct NPS; but, most are complicated
and result in inconsistent outcomes
- The aim of the current study wasto evaluate the safety and the
efficacy of a modified Z-palatoplasty (ZPP) techniquein the management
of post-surgical nasopharyngeal stenosis (NPS), describing its steps and
results.
- Surgical repair using a modified ZPP was employed on patients with
snoring± OSA due to acquired post-surgical NPS of grade Ι and ΙΙthen the
pre and postoperative results were statistically compared and adverse
events were recorded.
- The grade of NPS improved significantly postoperatively (p=0.00136)
throughout a follow up of one yearwithsignificant 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.
- 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.
Key words: Nasopharyngeal stenosis, palatal surgery,
obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, apnea hypoapnea index, UPPP,
velopharynx, ZPP.