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Structural aetiology

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Velopharyngeal insufficiency results from any structural deficiency of the velum or pharyngeal wall at the level of the nasopharynx. There is either a deficiency of tissue or a structure mechanically interferes with closure. Causes include:

  • unrepaired palatal clefts:
    • overt
    • submucous
    • occult submucous
  • mechanical interference:
    • excessive tonsils
    • posterior pilar webbing
  • post-surgical insufficiency:
    • after palatal closure, pharyngoplasty, adenoidectomy
    • post-operative fistula
  • ablative palatal lesions:
    • cancer
    • trauma

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