Abstract: Objective This study investigates the individual treatment of velopharyngeal incomplete(VPI) after palatoplasty. Methods Forty-eight patients with VPI were recruited. Physical examinations, including nasopharyngeal fiberscope examination, were performed on the basis of medical history. Patients were divided into three groups according to examination results. Group A comprised patients with velopharyngeal closure rate above 80% and slight distance between the posterior edge of the soft palate to the posterior wall. Group B comprised patients with velopharyngeal closure rate of less than 80%, shortened soft palate, and unobservable movement of the lateral pharyngeal wall. Group C comprised patients with velopharyngeal closure rate of less than 80%, shortened soft palate, and good movement of the lateral pharyngeal wall. Treatments for the three groups were designed differently. Results The speech results of all 48 patients significantly improved after individual surgical treatment. Conclusion Individual treatment plan should be designed on the basis of detailed examination in patients with VPI after palatoplasty.

Key words: velopharyngeal insufficiency, posterior pharyngeal flap pharyngoplasty, Sphincter pharyngoplasty