Transient Velopharyngeal Insufficiency After Calcified Stylohyoid Ligament Resection

Abstract

Elongation of the stylohyoid process or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament is known as the Eagle syndrome. Mostly, it is seen incidentally on imaging or with extreme suspicion and usually patients are asymptomatic. Surgery is the preferred method in symptomatic patients. Transcervical or transoral methods may be preferred as surgical route. A 28-year-old female patient who had formerly underwent tonsillectomy presented with throat and ear pain. A neck computed tomography was performed, and the patient was diagnosed as Eagle Syndrome. Surgery was recommended. Patient developed transient velopharyngeal insufficiency on postoperative day 4. Ventilation exercise and follow-up was recommended. Complaints of the patient decreased on the 15th day. It should be kept in mind that stylohyoid ligament may be calcified in young age group and middle age group patients with dysphagia or odynophagia, and differential diagnosis should be performed. Another issue is the condition of velofaringeal insufficiency which may occur due to the damage of the pharynx muscles by deep dissection during surgery.