Objective: Severe nasopharyngeal stenosis (NPS) is a rare complication of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and very difficult to manage. This report presents our successful treatment experience.
Methods: From Nov 1997 to Feb 2006, 6 adults patients with NPS secondary to UPPP were treated in Peking Union Hospital. Two cases was grade II stenosis, received surgery of local pharyngeal and soft palate mucosa flap rotation to enlarge nasopharyngeal airway with stenosis; For the remaining 4 cases with more severe NPS (grade III) who had received 1-3 times unsuccessful repair procedures previously, prolonged nasopharyngeal hollow obturators were used for 6 months after stenosis repair surgery.
Results: With 9-48 months follow-up, All cases results were satisfactory. Nasal obstruction symptom was eliminated, NPS corrected, no velopharyngeal insufficiency complication happened. Daytime removable nasopharyngeal hollow stent obturators with palate support device is more comfortable for patients.
Conclusions: Local flap rotation to enlarge stenosis airway and prolonged use nasopharyngeal hollow obturators are reliable methods of correction NPS following UPPP.