Analysis of the correlative factors for velopharyngeal closure of patients with cleft palate after primary repair

Objective. The objective of this study was to analyze the correlative factors for velopharyngeal closure of patients with cleft palate after primary repair. Study Design. Ninety-five nonsyndromic patients with cleft palate were enrolled. Two surgical techniques were applied in the patients: simple palatoplasty and combined palatoplasty with pharyngoplasty. All patients were assessed 6 months after the operation. The postoperative velopharyngeal closure (VPC) rate was compared by chi(2) test and the correlative factors were analyzed with logistic regression model. Results. The postoperative VPC rate of young patients was higher than that of old patients, the group with incomplete cleft palate was higher than the group with complete cleft palate, and combined palatoplasty with pharyngoplasty was higher than simple palatoplasty. Operative age, cleft type, and surgical technique were the contributing factors for postoperative VPC rate. Conclusions. Operative age, cleft type, and surgical technique were significant factors influencing postoperative VPC rate of patients with cleft palate.