title: Evaluation of a modified sphincter pharyngoplasty in the treatment of speech problems due to palatal insufficiency.
abstract: Results are presented of the first 10 children treated with a sphincter-type pharyngoplasty for speech defects due to velopharyngeal insufficiency. Seven of these children had cleft palates, 4 of the submucous variety. The operation, modified from one devised by Orticochea, is described in detail and emphasizes the importance of sphincter action closure of the nasopharynx. We believe this closure must be at a very high level. Preoperative and postoperative assessments of the patients by 4 observers are detailed in depth. Eight of the 10 patients showed improvement and none were made worse. We believe this operation, which places a functioning sphincter near the optimum site, is of considerable value in the treatment of selected patients suffering speech defects resulting from velopharyngeal incompetence.
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D010614:Pharynx / Q000601:surgery*; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D013068:Speech Production Measurement; D014681:Velopharyngeal Insufficiency / Q000151:congenital*