BOAS Surgical Option 1. Elongated Soft Palate - FFP

Question 1

What is the surgical procedure called?

Answer 1

Folding Flap Palatoplasty - FFP

Question 2

Define FFP

Answer 2

Involves removing a thick portion of the palate; this technique treats excessive length and thickness

Question 3

What to do Preoperatively

Answer 3

1. Pre oxygenation - flow by
2. Low stress - handling no pressure on the chest or neck
3. ET tube tied below the jaw or behind the ear

Question 4

Patient Preparation

Answer 4

1. Pharynx packed with gauze swabs to prevent the prep solutions from entering the glottis
2. The patients heads is placed lower than the body so the pharynx can be flushed with diluted CHLOREXIDINE 0.05%
3. This allows excess fluid to drain from the oral cavity

Question 5

Patient Positioning

Answer 5

1. Sternal Recumbency with their mouth fixed open with ties behind the canines and tied to a bar above the head
2. The lower mandible is placed on a padded surface and tied down.
3. The tongue is pulled rostrally
4. Patient is at the end of the table.

Question 6

Instrument / Equipment

Answer 6

1. Surgical Kit
2. Electric cautery due to the space being so vascular
3. Swaged on absorable monofilament suture material.

Question 7

Post operatively

Answer 7

1. Patient requires close observation to ensure no respiratory difficulty
2. Beware of blood clots forming in the pharynx - can cause obstruction post op
3. Placed in sternal recumbency - maximise respiration