Timmermans et al: Evaluation of soft palate thickness in brachycephalic dogs 3 months after folded flap palatoplasty versus standard staphylectomy
Veterinary Surgery 1, 2026

🔍 Key Findings

Soft palate length, volume, and cross-sectional area decreased significantly after both folded flap palatoplasty (FFP) and standard staphylectomy (STS).
Middle thickness (MTH) of the soft palate decreased after STS but increased after FFP, indicating FFP may not thin the soft palate long-term.
Rostral thickness (RTH) increased in both groups, suggesting regional variation in healing or remodeling.
Clinical improvement (exercise tolerance) occurred in most dogs: 6/8 in FFP and 10/10 in STS group.
One major complication in FFP group led to death despite revision surgery; another mortality occurred in STS group (likely due to severe laryngeal collapse).
No difference in minor complication rates between FFP and STS groups.
Histological remodeling or edema may explain lack of MTH reduction in FFP at 3 months.
Immediate postoperative imaging may be needed to evaluate initial reduction effects of FFP.

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Timmermans et al: Evaluation of soft palate thickness in brachycephalic dogs 3 months after folded flap palatoplasty versus standard staphylectomy
Veterinary Surgery 1, 2026

🔍 Key Findings

Soft palate length, volume, and cross-sectional area decreased significantly after both folded flap palatoplasty (FFP) and standard staphylectomy (STS).
Middle thickness (MTH) of the soft palate decreased after STS but increased after FFP, indicating FFP may not thin the soft palate long-term.
Rostral thickness (RTH) increased in both groups, suggesting regional variation in healing or remodeling.
Clinical improvement (exercise tolerance) occurred in most dogs: 6/8 in FFP and 10/10 in STS group.
One major complication in FFP group led to death despite revision surgery; another mortality occurred in STS group (likely due to severe laryngeal collapse).
No difference in minor complication rates between FFP and STS groups.
Histological remodeling or edema may explain lack of MTH reduction in FFP at 3 months.
Immediate postoperative imaging may be needed to evaluate initial reduction effects of FFP.

Simini Surgery Review Podcast

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Timmermans 2026 et al., on soft palate changes post-BOAS surgery, what was a proposed explanation for the lack of soft palate thinning 3 months after FFP?

A. Insufficient surgical resection

B. Lack of healing at 3 months

C. Dead space formation or tissue edema

D. Higher complication rate with FFP

E. Overcorrection of the palate

Answer: Dead space formation or tissue edema

Explanation: Accumulation in the folded flap and/or remodeling changes may account for the persistent or increased thickness.

In Timmermans 2026 et al., on soft palate changes post-BOAS surgery, which of the following best describes the rostral thickness (RTH) outcome in both treatment groups?

A. Decreased after FFP and STS

B. Increased after FFP only

C. Remained stable in both groups

D. Increased after both FFP and STS

E. Decreased only after STS

Answer: Increased after both FFP and STS

Explanation: Both surgical techniques resulted in increased RTH at 3 months postoperatively.

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