%0 Journal Article
%T Comparison of modified Furlow palatoplasty using small double-opposing Z-plasty and conventional Furlow palatoplasty: A long-term outcome study.
%A Hattori Y
%A Lo CC
%A Chen YJ
%A Saito T
%A Chou PY
%A Lu TC
%A Chang CS
%A Lo LJ
%J J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg
%V 93
%N 0
%D 2024 Jun 26
%M 38723512
%F 3.022
%R 10.1016/j.bjps.2024.04.058
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>The aim of palatoplasty is to create a functional palate to achieve normal speech, while minimizing post-operative complications. This study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of modified Furlow palatoplasty using small double-opposing Z-plasty (small-DOZ) and conventional Furlow palatoplasty (conventional-DOZ) performed in a single center.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent Furlow palatoplasty between May 2007 and March 2014 was executed. Non-syndromic patients subjected to palatoplasty prior to 24 months of age and followed-up until at least 9 years of age were included.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>A total of 196 small-DOZ and 280 conventional-DOZ palatoplasty patients were included in this study. Overall, 14 patients (2.9%) developed oronasal fistula, and 40 patients (8.4%) received velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) surgery. In comparisons, oronasal fistula rate was significantly higher in conventional-DOZ (0.5% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.01), and the VPI prevalence was not significantly different (9.2% vs. 7.9%, p = 0.62). Patients who developed fistula had a significantly higher likelihood of developing VPI than patients without oronasal fistula (50.0% vs. 7.1%, respectively; p < 0.01), with an odds ratio of 13.0.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Both modalities of palatoplasty yielded commendable velopharyngeal function in the long-term follow-up. The small-DOZ with reduced tension lowered the risk of oronasal fistula.