Biomedical subjects

Felicity V Mehendale

Publications and source records attributed to Felicity V Mehendale.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Surgical anatomy of the levator veli palatini: a previously undescribed tendinous insertion of the anterolateral fibers.

The purpose of this study was to describe the previously unreported tendinous insertion of the anterolateral fibers of the levator veli palatini (levator) and discuss possible implications for levator function and cleft palate repair. The velopharyngeal anatomy in normal adult cadavers was studied, with histologic confirmation of anatomical findings. These findings were compared with a more limited study of levator anatomy in cleft palates at the time of intraoperative muscle dissection. Just before entering the velum, the levator divides into two parts. The smaller bundle of muscle fibers (anterolateral part) runs anteriorly, close to the lateral pharyngeal wall, and inserts into the palatine aponeurosis through a number of fine tendons. The main part of the muscle runs medially into the velum, where it fans out and forms the levator sling with the contralateral levator. The possible function of the anterolateral part of the levator is discussed. Inadequate release of the tendinous insertions at the time of palate repair may tether the levator anteriorly and compromise muscle retropositioning or may result in splitting of the levator, so that only part of the levator is retropositioned.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Surgical management of velopharyngeal incompetence in velocardiofacial syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the results of surgery for velopharyngeal incompetence (VPI) in velocardiofacial syndrome. DESIGN: Prospective data collection, with randomized, blind assessment of speech and velopharyngeal function on lateral videofluoroscopy and nasendoscopy. SETTING: Two-site, tertiary referral cleft unit. PATIENTS: Forty-two consecutive patients with the 22q11 deletion underwent surgery for symptomatic VPI by a single surgeon. INTERVENTIONS: Intraoral examinations, lateral videofluoroscopy (+/- nasendoscopy) and intraoperative evaluation of the position of the velar muscles through the operating microscope. Based on these findings, either a radical dissection and retropositioning of the velar muscles (submucous cleft palate [SMCP repair]) or a Hynes pharyngoplasty (posterior pharyngeal wall augmentation pharyngoplasty) was performed. As anticipated, a proportion of patients undergoing SMCP repair subsequently required a Hynes. The aim of this staged approach was to maximize velar function, thereby enabling a less obstructive pharyngoplasty to be performed. Thus, there were three surgical groups for analysis: SMCP alone, Hynes alone, and SMCP+Hynes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Blind perceptual rating of resonance and nasal airflow; blind assessment of velopharyngeal function on lateral videofluoroscopy and nasendoscopy; and identification of predictive factors. RESULTS: Significant improvement in hypernasality in all three groups. The SMCP+Hynes group also showed significant improvement in nasal emission. There were significant improvements in the extended and resting velar lengths following SMCP repair and a trend toward increased velocity of closure. CONCLUSIONS: Depending on velopharyngeal anatomy and function, there is a role for SMCP repair, Hynes pharyngoplasty, and a staged combination of SMCP+Hynes, all of which are procedures with a low morbidity.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Surgical significance of abnormal internal carotid arteries in velocardiofacial syndrome in 43 consecutive hynes pharyngoplasties.

OBJECTIVES: To determine: (1) the incidence of surgically significant, abnormal internal carotid arteries (ICAs) in velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS); (2) the implications for a Hynes pharyngoplasty; (3) the reliability of preoperative investigations in detecting surgically significant abnormal ICAs. DESIGN: Prospective data collection with blind reassessment of nasendoscopy recordings. SETTING: Two-site, tertiary referral cleft unit. PATIENTS: Forty-three consecutive patients with VCFS who underwent a Hynes pharyngoplasty (six had a subsequent revision). INTERVENTIONS: Intraoral examinations, lateral videofluoroscopy, nasendoscopy when possible, and intraoperative palpation of the posterolateral pharyngeal walls. Only one patient had a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of surgically significant pulsations; modifications to surgical procedure; and correlation of surgical findings with preoperative nasendoscopy and MRA. RESULTS: Five patients (11.6%) had abnormal pulsations noted at the time of the Hynes. In no patient was the decision to perform a Hynes altered as a result of abnormal pulsations. Two patients had minor adjustments to the Hynes flaps to avoid exposing/damaging the ICA. In one patient an abnormal ICA was exposed during elevation of the left Hynes flap. This was covered uneventfully by routine closure of the secondary defect. Pulsations were noted in only 3 of 24 assessable preoperative nasendoscopies. CONCLUSIONS: A Hynes pharyngoplasty is not contraindicated in VCFS, even if abnormal pulsations are present. Examination and palpation of the pharyngeal walls after the patient is positioned for surgery appear to be reliable in detecting abnormal pulsations and allow accurate surgical planning. Routine vascular imaging, even in patients with pulsations on preoperative nasendoscopy is not essential and may not always be reliable, as shown by the variation in endoscopic, MRA, and intraoperative findings. This further re-emphasizes the importance of palpating the pharyngeal walls once the patient is positioned for surgery.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Submucous cleft palates presenting with a perforation.

OBJECTIVE: The development of a perforation in a submucous cleft palate (SMCP) is a rare occurrence, with only a few cases reported in the literature. We describe and illustrate four cases of SMCPs with a perforation in the palate. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of the symptoms and signs of an SMCP should enable early diagnosis and treatment of this condition in symptomatic patients. However, in patients in whom the diagnosis has been missed or in those who have been asymptomatic, the development of a perforation may be the presenting feature of an SMCP. A history of possible trauma to the palate was found in two cases. Relatively minor trauma may cause perforation of the thin translucent central mucosa in an SMCP. In neonates, perforations surrounded by very thin mucosa may increase in size. The perforation can be closed at the same time as the SMCP repair and does not significantly alter the surgical treatment of an SMCP.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Unilateral Moore pharyngoplasty in the treatment of unilateral or asymmetric velopharyngeal incompetence.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of a unilateral modification of the Moore pharyngoplasty in the treatment of unilateral or asymmetric velopharyngeal incompetence (VPI) and analyze the results in a consecutive series of patients operated on by a single surgeon. DESIGN: Blind assessment of randomized speech and nasendoscopy recordings. SETTING: A two-site tertiary referral cleft unit. PATIENTS: Eighteen consecutive patients with asymmetrical or unilateral VPI of varying etiology. INTERVENTIONS: A unilateral Moore pharyngoplasty was performed in all patients. Three patients underwent radical dissection and retropositioning of the velar muscles at the same time as the unilateral Moore pharyngoplasty. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pre- and postoperative nasality and nasal airflow using the CAPS score, assessment of nasendoscopy recordings, and the rate of further surgery. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in hypernasality (p =.014). There was a highly significant decrease in the size of the velopharyngeal gap on the side on which the Moore pharyngoplasty was performed (p =.004) as well as a highly significant decrease in the total gap size (p =.003). The Moore flap was effective in obliterating the lateral pharyngeal recess in 11 of 12 patients (p =.004). Three patients required further velopharyngeal surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In appropriately selected patients, a unilateral Moore pharyngoplasty is a safe and effective treatment for unilateral or asymmetric VPI. If indicated, a radical dissection and retropositioning of the velar muscles may be combined with a Moore pharyngoplasty.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Palate re-repair revisited.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of a consecutive series of palate re-repairs performed using the operating microscope and identify predictive factors for outcome. DESIGN: Prospective data collection, with blind assessment of randomized recordings of speech and velar function on lateral videofluoroscopy and nasendoscopy. PATIENTS: One hundred twenty-nine consecutive patients with previously repaired cleft palates and symptomatic velopharyngeal incompetence (VPI) and evidence of anterior insertion of the levator veli palatini underwent palate re-repairs by a single surgeon from 1992 to 1998. Syndromic patients, those who had significant additional surgical procedures at the time of re-repair (23 patients), and all patients with inadequate pre- or postoperative speech recordings were excluded, leaving a total of 85 patients in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Palate re-repairs, with radical dissection and retropositioning of the velar muscles, were performed using the operating microscope with intraoperative grading of anatomical and surgical findings. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pre- and postoperative perceptual speech assessments using the Cleft Audit Protocol for Speech (CAPS) score, measurement of velar function on lateral videofluoroscopy, and assessment of nasendoscopy recordings. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in hypernasality, nasal emission, and nasal turbulence and measures of velar function on lateral videofluoroscopy, with improvement in the closure ratio, velopharyngeal gap at closure, velar excursion, velar movement angle, and velar velocity. CONCLUSIONS: Palate re-repair has been shown to be effective in treating VPI following cleft palate repair, both in patients who have not had an intravelar veloplasty and those who have had a previous attempt at muscle dissection and retropositioning. Palate re-repair has a lower morbidity and is more physiological than a pharyngoplasty or pharyngeal flap.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Gross unilateral abnormalities of the velum and pharynx.

OBJECTIVE: Velopharyngeal incompetence because of gross unilateral velopharyngeal hypoplasia is rare, particularly in patients with no significant hemifacial microsomia or facial asymmetry. We describe the abnormal anatomy and treatment of three patients with gross congenital velopharyngeal asymmetry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Following surgery, all three patients showed a good improvement in velopharyngeal function and speech. Nasendoscopy and lateral videofluoroscopy were important in confirming the abnormal anatomy and pathology and in evaluating the degree of movement of the affected side of the velum and pharyngeal walls as well as the size and location of the defect. Muscles from the normal side were radically dissected and mobilized across the midline to reconstruct the hypoplastic hemivelum. Mucosal lengthening was achieved by suturing the normal mucosa to the mucosa of the hypoplastic hemivelum and the lateral pharyngeal wall or by insetting a posterolateral pharyngeal flap (modified Moore pharyngoplasty) into the nasal surface of the hypoplastic side.

Articulation Disorders↗