OBJECTIVETo determine the factors affecting post-operative velopharyngeal function of cleft palate patients aged over two years old.

METHODSThe data on 245 patients, including first visit case records and those in the database, were searched and recorded. Post-operative velopharyngeal function and clinical features, such as cleft ratio, adequate ratio, diagnosis, operative age and method, were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSCleft ratio and adequate ratio in the velopharyngeal competence (VPC) group were not statistically different from those in the velopharyngeal incompetence (VPI) group. The difference in VPC rate in different age groups and diagnosis was not significant. The post-operative VPC rates under different methods were significantly different.

CONCLUSIONThe current therapeutic schedule for patients younger than two years old is inappropriate for patients older than two years old. Cleft ratio is not the main factor affecting postoperative velopharygeal function. Sommerlad-Levator Veli Palatini reconstructional operation combined with sphincter pharyngoplasty can obviously improve the velopharyngeal function of patients aged 2 years old and up. This method should be applied in primary palatoplasty.