## Overview Sternohyoideus myectomy or myotomy is a surgical procedure used to treat dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP). A portion of the sternohyoideus (and often sternothyroideus) muscle is transected or removed to reduce caudal pull on the larynx, theoretically stabilizing it and decreasing the likelihood of palatal displacement. ## Causes N/A (this is a surgical treatment). The underlying DDSP is often related to upper-airway instability during exercise. ## Diagnosis Pre-operative diagnosis of DDSP is made by exercising endoscopy. The procedure itself is chosen based on case selection and surgeon preference. ## Treatment The surgery is performed under standing sedation or general anesthesia. Reported success rates are moderate (around 60 percent in some series). Many surgeons now prefer the laryngeal tie-forward procedure, which has higher published success. ## Recovery and Prognosis Most horses resume training within weeks. Noise and performance may improve, but recurrence of DDSP occurs in a substantial proportion of cases. ## Prevention N/A.
Pre-surgery: intermittent gurgling at speed, exercise intolerance. Post-surgery: reduced frequency of displacement in successful cases
## Overview Sternohyoideus myectomy or myotomy is a surgical procedure used to treat dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP). A portion of the sternohyoideus (and often sternothyroideus) muscle is transected or removed to reduce caudal pull on the larynx, theoretically stabilizing it and decreasing the likelihood of palatal displacement. ## Causes N/A (this is a surgical treatment). The underlying DDSP is often related to upper-airway instability during exercise. ## Diagnosis Pre-operative diagnosis of DDSP is made by exercising endoscopy. The procedure itself is chosen based on case selection and surgeon preference. ## Treatment The surgery is performed under standing sedation or general anesthesia. Reported success rates are moderate (around 60 percent in some series). Many surgeons now prefer the laryngeal tie-forward procedure, which has higher published success. ## Recovery and Prognosis Most horses resume training within weeks. Noise and performance may improve, but recurrence of DDSP occurs in a substantial proportion of cases. ## Prevention N/A.
Pre-surgery: intermittent gurgling at speed, exercise intolerance. Post-surgery: reduced frequency of displacement in successful cases