Objectives/hypothesis: The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence of postoperative persisting dysphagia after uvulopalatoplasty performed with conventional steel scalpel (UPP) and to videoradiographically evaluate the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing in patients reporting persisting dysphagia. The hypothesis to be tested was that patients treated with UPP would demonstrate a lower incidence of persisting dysphagia than previously found after uvulopalatoplasty performed with laser technique (LUPP).
Study design: Retrospective.
Methods: Sixty-eight of 76 consecutive patients treated with UPP answered a questionnaire concerning outcome and late complications after the operation. The patients who reported postoperative dysphagia were additionally interviewed at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively, and the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing were videoradiographically examined in those with persisting dysphagia.
Results: The incidence of persisting dysphagia after UPP was 29%. Videoradiographically 71% of the dysphagic patients showed a deviant pharyngeal swallowing pattern.
Conclusion: The incidence of persisting dysphagia after UPP did not differ from that reported after laser uvulopalatoplasty. Dysphagia after UPP was mostly associated with videoradiographic signs of deviant pharyngeal swallowing function. Patients should be informed that there is a risk of developing dysphagia after uvulopalatoplasty.