Re: Double-Layered Closure of Chronic Oroantral Fistulas Using a Palatal Rotational Flap and Suturing of the Sinus Membrane Perforation: Is It a Successful Technique?

Abstract

We have read with interest the recent article by Sayed et al, 1 Sayed A.A. Khalifa G.A. Hassan S.A. Mohamed F.I. Double-layered closure of chronic oroantral fistulas using a palatal rotational flap and suturing of the sinus membrane perforation: Is it a successful technique?. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2015; 73: 812 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (7) Google Scholar in which the authors have nicely described the role of the rotational advancement palatal flap in double layer closure of chronic oroantral fistulas (cOAFs). They greatly emphasized the amount of the denuded surface area, number of donor sites, and operating time throughout their report. We would like to draw their attention to the time-tested and clinically established advantages of the highly successful pedicled buccal fat pad (BFP) graft in closing cOAFs, because similar advantages are obtained when it is used. The BFP has been in use for closing variable size OAFs and has been widely documented in published reports. The BFP has various advantages, including local availability, sufficient quantity, a highly vascular nature owing to its blood supply from the maxillary, superficial temporal, and facial arteries, and quick epithelialization. 2 Anavi Y. Gal G. Silfen R. et al. Palatal rotation-advancement flap for delayed repair of oroantral fistula: A retrospective evaluation of 63 cases. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2003; 96: 527 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (61) Google Scholar However, perforation of the BFP and shrinkage to a certain extent are some of its disadvantages. 2 Anavi Y. Gal G. Silfen R. et al. Palatal rotation-advancement flap for delayed repair of oroantral fistula: A retrospective evaluation of 63 cases. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2003; 96: 527 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (61) Google Scholar ReplyJournal of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryVol. 73Issue 9PreviewThank you for your mail. I have carefully read the letter to the editor written by Drs Batra, Attresh, Garg, and Porwal, about our article: “Double-layered Closure of Chronic Oroantral Fistulas Using a Palatal Rotational Flap and Suturing of the Sinus Membrane Perforation: Is it a Successful Technique?” Full-Text PDF