What Is Sphincter Pharyngoplasty?
Sphincter pharyngoplasty is a surgical procedure to treat VPI. Here is what it involves.
Sphincter pharyngoplasty narrows the opening between the nose and throat by bringing tissue from the sides of the throat forward to create a smaller port that the palate can close.
- How it works:
- Two flaps of tissue are raised from the sides of the throat (posterior tonsillar pillars)
- These flaps are rotated inward and attached across the back of the throat
- This creates a narrowing that the palate can close during speech
- Air flows through the nose normally for breathing
- Who it is for:
- Children with moderate VPI
- Those with good palate movement but a wide opening
- As an alternative to pharyngeal flap
- Recovery:
- Hospital stay: 1β2 nights
- Sore throat for 1β2 weeks
- Soft diet for 2 weeks
Clinical Guidance
Sphincter pharyngoplasty narrows the throat opening to treat VPI. It is an effective alternative to pharyngeal flap surgery for selected patients with moderate VPI.