pharyngeal flap
Pronunciation: fair-IN-jee-ul
Surgical procedure creating a tissue bridge between the soft palate and posterior pharyngeal wall to treat velopharyngeal insufficiency.
Full Definition
A pharyngeal flap is a surgical procedure designed to improve velopharyngeal closure by creating a tissue bridge from the posterior pharyngeal wall to the soft palate. The flap reduces the size of the velopharyngeal port while maintaining lateral ports for nasal breathing. This procedure is indicated for patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency who have adequate lateral pharyngeal wall movement but insufficient anteroposterior closure. The success of pharyngeal flap surgery depends on proper patient selection, flap design, and post-operative management. Potential complications include sleep apnea, hyponasality, and flap dehiscence.
Usage
Usage note: Requires careful patient selection to avoid post-operative sleep disorders.
In Context
- "The pharyngeal flap was inset to the soft palate with interrupted absorbable sutures." — Operative report
- "Post-pharyngeal flap speech showed elimination of hypernasality but mild hyponasality." — Follow-up assessment