We have located links that may give you full text access.
Two hundred twenty-two consecutive pharyngeal flaps: an analysis of postoperative complications.
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2008 April
PURPOSE: The most frequent surgical technique used to treat velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), the pharyngeal flap is also one of the more dangerous pediatric procedures due to the potential for airway obstruction and patient death. Prompted by recent concerns over high complication rates associated with this procedure, we completed a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the incidence and character of postoperative complications after 222 consecutive pharyngeal flap surgeries.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A database review was undertaken of all pharyngeal flap surgeries completed from January 2000 to April 2006 at a tertiary pediatric craniofacial center. Main outcome measures included postoperative complications, such as airway compromise manifested as oxygen desaturation, hemorrhage requiring reoperation, wound infection, pharyngeal flap breakdown, and development of obstructive sleep apnea.
RESULTS: In 222 consecutive pharyngeal flap patients, the mean age at surgery was 6.4 years (range, 3.1 to 17 years). Postoperative complications were rare in this cohort. Twelve patients (8.0%) required supplemental oxygenation for limited desaturation, and 3 patients (1.35%) demonstrated significant postoperative bleeding. Five patients (3.33%) demonstrated positive findings of OSA at 6 months or longer after postpharyngeal flap surgery.
CONCLUSION: When coupled with a thorough preoperative evaluation by specialized personnel, pharyngeal flap surgery is a safe and reliable option for the surgical management of VPI.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A database review was undertaken of all pharyngeal flap surgeries completed from January 2000 to April 2006 at a tertiary pediatric craniofacial center. Main outcome measures included postoperative complications, such as airway compromise manifested as oxygen desaturation, hemorrhage requiring reoperation, wound infection, pharyngeal flap breakdown, and development of obstructive sleep apnea.
RESULTS: In 222 consecutive pharyngeal flap patients, the mean age at surgery was 6.4 years (range, 3.1 to 17 years). Postoperative complications were rare in this cohort. Twelve patients (8.0%) required supplemental oxygenation for limited desaturation, and 3 patients (1.35%) demonstrated significant postoperative bleeding. Five patients (3.33%) demonstrated positive findings of OSA at 6 months or longer after postpharyngeal flap surgery.
CONCLUSION: When coupled with a thorough preoperative evaluation by specialized personnel, pharyngeal flap surgery is a safe and reliable option for the surgical management of VPI.
Full text links
Related Resources
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app
All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.
By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.
Your Privacy Choices
You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app