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Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for nasal blockage 21 years after total rhinectomy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 August 2021

J Verdonck ,
E Van de Perck ,
J Claes  and
O M Vanderveken
J Verdonck*
Affiliation:
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
E Van de Perck
Affiliation:
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
J Claes
Affiliation:
ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
O M Vanderveken
Affiliation:
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
*
Author for correspondence: Dr Jan Verdonck, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium E-mail: jan.verdonck@student.uantwerpen.be
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Abstract

Background

Total rhinectomy is an invasive procedure that significantly impairs the intranasal turbulence, humidification and heating of inspired air. The use of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for the treatment of sleep-disordered breathing disorders such as primary snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea has diminished over the past years because of the emergence of less invasive procedures and alternative therapeutic options. This clinical record presents the treatment of a long-term side effect of total rhinectomy using uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.

Case report

In 1997, a 62-year-old male underwent total rhinectomy for a nasal schwannoma, followed by rehabilitation with a nasal prosthesis. Twenty-one years later, he presented with severe complaints of nasal blockage and breathing difficulties during both daytime and night-time. Clinical examination revealed no major anomalies besides significant velopharyngeal narrowing. Thus, in 2019, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty was performed to re-establish velopharyngeal patency. Hereafter, the symptoms of nasal blockage disappeared, resulting in an improved quality of life.

Conclusion

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty may prove useful to treat selected patients with daytime breathing difficulties due to velopharyngeal narrowing.

Keywords

Airway ObstructionSurgeryTissue AdhesionsPharynxSoft PalateNasal NeoplasmsMaleMiddle Aged

Information

Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 135 , Issue 10 , October 2021 , pp. 937 - 939
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

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Footnotes

Dr J Verdonck takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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