STUDY OF SURGICAL REPAIR OF PALATAL FISTULA AFTER CLEFT PALATE REPAIR

Abstract

This study was carried out in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery , Tanta University Hospitals in the period between January 1998 and January 1999.

This series included 22 patients suffering from medium and large palatal fistulae following cleft palate repair. Three techniques were used in the repair, in suitable cases; buccinator musculomucosal flap, mucoperiosteal flap and tongue flap.

Anteriorly based buccinator musculomucosal flap was used in the repair of 6 cases with medium sized palatal fistulae with excessively scarred palatal mucoperiosteum. Recurrence occured in one case because of excessive length of the flap. It is an easy technique, in condition it is performed by experienced surgeon , and has not added to the postoperative morbidity. Alveolar cleft is important to accomodate the pedicle of the flap.