Cleft Palate Repair — Velopharyngeal Function, Surgical Timing, and Speech Reconstruction

Episode DescriptionThis episode reviews the core principles of cleft palate repair, focusing on palatal anatomy, velopharyngeal function, surgical timing, and long-term outcomes.Topics include the distinction between the primary and secondary palate, the Veau classification, palatal embryology, and the critical role of the levator veli palatini muscle sling. The episode also covers newborn priorities including feeding, airway evaluation, Pierre Robin sequence, and timing of palatoplasty around 9–12 months.Surgical techniques are reviewed, including intravelar veloplasty, von Langenbeck repair, two-flap palatoplasty, V-Y pushback, and Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty, with emphasis on speech outcomes, fistula prevention, and maxillary growth.Secondary management is discussed through the diagnosis and treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), including nasendoscopy, videofluoroscopy, secondary Furlow, sphincter pharyngoplasty, and pharyngeal flap, as well as special considerations for 22q11 deletion syndrome and medialized internal carotid arteries.Part of Dr. Lara’s Plastic Surgery Compendium — a high-yield audio reference for plastic surgery trainees and surgeons.DisclaimerThis podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is designed for medical students, residents, fellows, and practicing healthcare professionals. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for any individual patient. The content presented reflects general surgical principles and should not be used as a substitute for formal medical training, clinical judgment, or consultation with qualified healthcare professionals. Listening to this podcast does not establish a physician–patient relationship.SEO / Topic Keywordscleft palate repair, velopharyngeal insufficiency, VPI surgery, intravelar veloplasty, levator veli palatini, Furlow palatoplasty, two-flap palatoplasty, von Langenbeck, Veau classification, Pierre Robin sequence, pharyngeal flap, sphincter pharyngoplasty, 22q11 deletion syndrome, alveolar bone grafting, cleft palate speech surgery