![]() | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Oronasal fistulae are well-known complications following surgery of the cleft palate. The incidence of postoperative fistula varies considerably in different series ranging from 0-50% (Millard, 1976). Symptoms related the palatal fistulae can quite significant because of embarrassing nasal regurgitation and interference with proper speech articulation (Shelton, 1984). Recurrence rates following palatal fistula closure have been reported as high as 16% to 65% in various series respectively (Schultz, 1991). Secondary repair of recurrent oronasal fistula is one of the most challenging and difficult problems in the field of plastic surgery (Ashtiani, 2005). Numerous techniques described for the closure of these communications testify to unsatisfactory results obtained. Most of these techniques have unpredictable results and may give equal degree of success and failure. The main reasons for the high failure rate has been ascribed to immobility of the scar, poor vascularity of the scarred tissue, tension on the flaps leading to impairment of the blood supply and inadequate trimming of scarred tissues (Tipton, 1970). One of the important general principles in palatal fistula closure of not only to cover the oral side of the fistula. A double layer closure of the palatal fistula offers the best chance of |