Velopharyngeal Insufficiency

Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is incomplete closure of the soft palate against the pharyngeal wall during speech/swallow, causing hypernasal speech, nasal emission, and possible regurgitation, due to cleft palate, submucous cleft, adenoid removal, or neuromuscular disease. Treatment: speech therapy; diagnostic nasopharyngoscopy/fluoroscopy; surgical pharyngoplasty (sphincter/pharyngeal flap) for structural VPI; treat neuromuscular cause; multidisciplinary (speech/ENT/plastic surgery); follow-up speech outcomes.

Common Symptoms

Hypernasal speech; nasal emission; regurgitation; by cleft/adenoidectomy/neuromuscular

Causes and Pathogenesis

Structural/neurologic causes incomplete velopharyngeal closure.

Treatment

Speech therapy; surgical pharyngoplasty; treat neuromuscular cause; multidisciplinary

Preventive Measures

Treat cleft palate; careful adenoidectomy.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the ENT/Plastic-surgery/Speech-therapy department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.