Pharyngeal flap surgery: postoperative complications.

Using a protocol specifically designed to decrease the risk factors for postoperative morbidity and upper airway obstruction, we have essentially eliminated major complications after pharyngeal flap surgery while maintaining excellent speech results. The protocol includes inserting a short pharyngeal flap into a tissue "sandwich" and keeping an NP tube in place for 48 hours postoperatively. The complications reduced by use of this protocol include apnea and other upper respiratory complications, as well as bleeding. In addition, postoperative discomfort is decreased with the current protocol. Using this approach, pharyngeal flap surgery is highly effective in improving speech and is associated with low morbidity.