Parental perceptions of posterior pharyngeal wall augmentation using autologous fat for treating velopharyngeal dysfunction

Posterior pharyngeal wall augmentation using autologous fat to treat velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) is an alternative surgical procedure to more commonly used invasive procedures such as the pharyngeal flap. However, limited research exists on this technique. The aim of this study was to qualitatively investigate parental perceptions of posterior pharyngeal wall augmentation using autologous fat when treating velopharyngeal dysfunction. Furthermore, this research aimed to examine parent's perspectives of their child's speech and quality-of-life following this procedure. A qualitative collective case study methodology was used in the form of semi-structured interviews with seven participants. These were then analysed using constant comparative analysis. Four distinct themes emerged: post-surgical outcomes; speech-language pathology, not just medicine; factors for successful post-operative speech and resonance; and long-term sustainability and worthiness of the procedure. Six out of seven participants expressed positive post-operative speech and resonance results. Five further expressed long-term satisfaction up to 6 years post-operatively. Overall the majority of participants were satisfied that this procedure provided their child with long-term successful speech outcomes. The participants also discussed the importance of receiving speech-language pathology services alongside surgery and the positive impact of the procedure on their child's quality-of-life including social interactions, confidence, friendships, as well as eating and drinking.