Effect of Modified Furlow Vs Two-Flap Technique on Eustachian Tube Function

Abstract

Background: One of the most common congenital defects of the face is cleft palate (CP). A middle ear issue nearly always affects  children who have cleft palates. The way that palatoplasty is performed has a significant impact on how well middle ear function is  restored after CP correction.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the significance of modified Furlow vs two-flaps technique on Eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction.

Patients and methods: Seventy two cleft palate patients were divided into 2 groups: Group1 included 42 patients done by modified  Furlow Z-plasty operation. Group 2 included 30 patients done by two flaps palatoplasty. Pre- and post-operative ear evaluation done at 1,  3,6,12 months.

Results: Repair of cleft palate leading to direct improvement of ET dysfunction improvement ear function. Modified Furlow showed early  improvement at 3 months post-operative of middle ear function (p value 0.004), but had no superiority after one year over two flaps  Palato-plasty.

Conclusion: The two procedures showed significant effect as regards decreasing severity of ET function and middle ear  affection. Thus, supporting conservative management of middle ear effusion instead of prophylactic tube insertion.