The Speech Result after the Palatoplasty using the Modified Buccal Musculomucosal Flap Method

Abstract

We developed a new method called the modified buccal musculomucosal flap method for cleft palate surgery. This method has been used on 40 patients. The velophalyngeal function, articulation and palatal fistula after primary palatoplasty have been investigated in those patients. The velophalyngeal function was measured acoustically, aerodynamically, and fibroscopically. Experienced speech therapists evaluated the speech of all patients. Fistulas were checked visually using a needle. The results were as follows:
1) 30 patients (75.0% ) showed good velpopharyngeal closure,7 patients (17.5%) slightly incompetent, and 3 patients (7.5%) incompetent.
2) Articulation disordecs were found in 28 cases (70.0%). Among articulation disorders, glottal stop was most frequent (27.5%) and palatalized articulation was second most frequent (20.0%).
3) Palatal fistulas were observed in 13 cases (32.5%).