Adult Pharyngeal Flap Surgery

[Karen]

I am a 41 year old adult female with a cleft palate that has not been completely repaired. I have an prosthetic device which corrects my speech very well. I have recently had a nose and lip revision and the same doctor has explained the pharyngeal flap operation, its drawbacks and advantages. I would like to hear first hand experiences with this operation. I trust that my doctor is extremely capable, I'm not worried about his skills, but rather all the potential problems I have read about on this site. Hopefully those problems are not the norm! If you have had this operation as an adult, please respond or email me directly at Kas0531@comcast.net. Thanks!

[Jeff Alterman]

Be aware that there can be problems with the pharyngeal flap surgery and if possible, you might want to avoid it. If you have a fistula, try having that repaired first. Then you might not need the prosthetic device anymore. Also your speech will probably be better once the fistula is closed provided that is the issue.

Jeff Alterman at alterman156@verizon.net