Velopharyngeal complications of adenotonsillectomy

Abstract

Surgery of the adenoids and tonsils is amongst the most frequently performed pediatric ope- rations. Despite being safe procedures, complications do exist and must be known and managed by the surgeon who performs them. Most cases are intra or post-operative bleedings, but there are another complications that can manifest or last for weeks or even months after surgery. Velopharyngeal complications are dysfunctions of the palatopharyngeal sphincter, which normally opens or closes the communication between oropharynx and nasopharynx during breathing, deglutition and speech. An anatomical or functional deficit of this mechanism produces the involuntary escape of air, liquids or food to the nose, condition regarded as velopharyngeal insufficiency. On the other hand, the adherence of the palatine veil and tonsillar pillars to the pharyngeal mucosa or base of tongue generates a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal stenosis, respectively. This partial or total closure of the nasopharynx can be manifested through symptoms such as nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea and hyponasality, among others. Understanding the causes that may lead to this complications will allow to identify patients in risk of developing them, taking surgical measures destined to prevent them and, in case of developing such complications, to know the different therapeutic alter- natives for their management.