Wednesday, October 29, 2003
3508

P46: Furlow Palatoplasty in Non-Operated Adult Cleft Palate Patients in Kuwait

Jamal A. Mohammad, MD and Sabreen AlZamel, MD.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect over the velar length and functional anatomy following Furlow double opposing Z plasty in selected adult patients with non operated cleft palate in Kuwait. Methods: 8 patients over the age of 18 years with non operated cleft palate had Furlow palatoplasty surgical technique. This study was carried between June of 1999 and August of 2002. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative perceptual speech assessment to describe velopharyngeal insufficiency severity, nasal air emissions, severity ratings of mild, moderate, or severe.A consistent oral examination for the velar length of each patient preoperative and postoperatively was recorded and compared to normal velar length values. Results: The incidence of postoperative complications following such procedure was low.One patient required surgical revision of a palatal fistula. The furlow procedure produced improvement in almost all of the patients expect one patient who would require further Pharyngeal flap surgery. Conclusion: Furlow Palatoplasty is suitable surgical procedure in adults with non_opreated palatal cleft. The significant improvement over speech are very encouraging.The velar length following Furlow palatoplasty was comparable to normal values. According to the results, a surgical procedure in the adult still seems to be worthwhile.