Patient Palatal lift prostheses (PLPs) are used for dysarthria caused by velopharyngeal incompetence (VPI) and improving hypernasal speech. In this case, we used a PLP with a flexible lift (f-PLP) in a patient with dysphagia associated with VPI due to right-sided cranial nerve injuries after a skull base surgery. We examined its efficacy in swallowing biomechanics and swallowing function using high-resolution manometry (HRM) and videofluoroscopic examination of swallowing (VF). The patient felt that it was easier to swallow with f-PLP. Furthermore, VF indicated that the pharyngeal residue with f-PLP was less than without it. HRM showed that velopharyngeal pressure and intrabolus pressure (IBP) with f-PLP were higher than those without it. Additionally, the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) relaxation time and UES nadir pressure on the patient's healthy left side compared to the right side improved with f-PLP.Discussion We discovered two clinical outcomes. First, the f-PLP ensured velopharyngeal closure and an increase in the hypopharyngeal IBP, which potentially improved the UES opening on the healthy side. Second, the f-PLP improved pharyngeal clearance, and the patient felt that it was easier to swallow with the f-PLP. This implies that an f-PLP potentially exhibits a positive effect on swallowing.Conclusions In this case, the f-PLP contributed to improving the pharyngeal passage of a bolus. We suggest that f-PLPs can be used for patients with dysarthria and those with dysphagia with VPI.
Keywords: Dysphagia; Flexible lift; High-resolution manometry; Lower cranial nerve palsy; Palatal lift prosthesis.