OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: When @entity1184 obstructing the airway is encountered in a @entity1 with a repaired @entity2419 and @entity1739 , the surgeon may opt for tonsillectomy to relieve the @entity1224 , with possible effects on velopharyngeal closure. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of @entity1184 tonsils on velopharyngeal function in @entity1 with repaired @entity2419 and to measure the effect of tonsillectomy on velopharyngeal closure and speech resonance. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Twelve @entity1 with repaired @entity2419 and @entity1184 underwent tonsillectomy to relieve @entity1224 . Preoperative and postoperative evaluation of velopharyngeal function was performed. Auditory perceptual assessment of speech and nasalance scores were measured, and velopharyngeal closure was evaluated by flexible nasopharyngoscopy. RESULTS: Preoperative impairment of velopharyngeal function was detected. However, significant postoperative improvement of speech parameters ( @entity2422 , nasal emission of air, and weak pressure consonants measured with auditory perceptual assessment) was achieved, and the overall postoperative nasalance score was improved significantly for nasal and oral sentences. Reduction of velopharyngeal gap size was detected after removal of @entity1184 tonsils. Although the improvement of velopharyngeal closure was not significant, three cases demonstrated complete postoperative closure with no gap. CONCLUSIONS: @entity1184 tonsils may impair velopharyngeal function in @entity1 with repaired @entity2419 , and tonsillectomy is beneficial for such @entity1 as it can improve the velopharyngeal closure and speech resonance. Secondary corrective surgery may be avoided in some cases after tonsillectomy.

XXXX tonsils impair velopharyngeal function after palatoplasty.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['children', 'patients', 'child'] @entity2422 :: ('MESH:C537724', 'Disease') :: ['hypernasality'] @entity1184 :: ('MESH:D006984', 'Disease') :: ['tonsillar hypertrophy', 'Hypertrophied', 'hypertrophied'] @entity1739 :: ('MESH:D014681', 'Disease') :: ['velopharyngeal insufficiency'] @entity2419 :: ('MESH:D002972', 'Disease') :: ['cleft palate'] @entity1224 :: ('MESH:D000402', 'Disease') :: ['airway obstruction']
@entity1184 :: (MESH:D006984,Disease) :: ['Hypertrophied']
