Palate Closure Research Articles

Outcomes of Palatal Fistula Closure with Tongue Flap Using a Parachute Technique.

To evaluate the efficacy of tongue flaps in closing large palatal fistulas secondary to cleft palate repair in terms of functionality, esthetics, and donor site morbidity. Tertiary academic center. We report our 8-year surgical experience with tongue flaps, with our parachute suture technique in flap inset, and not using tongue fixation methods or feeding tubes. Nineteen patients having recurrent secondary palatal fistula, post-cleft treatment were treated with anteriorly based dorsal tongue flaps. Patients were evaluated for outcome in terms of flap uptake and effectiveness, correction of oronasal regurgitation, speech and nasality improvement, donor site morbidity, and esthetics. A total of 19 patients in the age range of 1.5 to 34 years were treated with anteriorly based tongue flap. Detachment of the tongue flap was observed in 1 patient. Furthermore, tongue flap necrosis was not observed in any of the patients. Nasal regurgitation was resolved completely in 15 cases (78.9%), and 2 out of 4 failed cases were due to fistula presence in a position out of flap territory. In addition, fistula persists in the case of flap detachment and another case at the location of pedicle division. Speech intelligibility and hypernasality changes were reported as noticeable improvement in 9 (47.4%) and no obvious change in 10 patients (52.6%). Using parachute suturing technique can facilitate successful lingual tissue inset in palatal defects with negligible remnant fistula. Moreover, avoiding tongue fixation methods and nasogastric tube-assisted feeding wasn't associated with increased flap dehiscence or suture loosening.

Cleft Lip and Palate Correction: The Utah Protocol.

Cleft repair remains a contentious issue in craniofacial surgery, especially regarding the optimal timing and techniques. This study aims to present our institutions' current protocol for cleft lip and palate repair, including alveolar bone grafting (ABG). A total of 17 patients (20 clefts) treated with the latest protocol from 2016 to 2023 were evaluated. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from electronic charts. The protocol includes lip repair at 3 months, soft palate repair at 1 year, and hard palate closure with concurrent ABG at 2 years. Mean graft height and thickness scores were 2.3 and 2.2, respectively. Three clefts showed scores marginally below the threshold for thickness, potentially requiring regrafting. Malocclusion was minimal with no significant crossbites or velopharyngeal insufficiency. Our modified protocol, emphasizing early hard palate closure with ABG, yields satisfactory outcomes in terms of graft height and thickness. Although long-term follow-up is warranted, our approach seems safe and efficient, potentially improving outcomes compared with traditional methods.

Efficacy of Posterior Pharyngeal Wall Injection for Velopharyngeal Dysfunction in Adults.

Posterior pharyngeal wall (PPW) injection is often employed to treat velopharyngeal deficiency (VPD). We sought to analyze the impact of PPW injection on severity of dysphagia and dysphonia. Retrospective chart review was conducted of patients undergoing PPW injection from 2018 to 2023 at a tertiary laryngology center. Effects on Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10), Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), soft palate closure on modified barium swallow, and auditory-perceptual measures of hypernasality and audible nasal air emission were analyzed. 67 PPW injections were performed in 29 patients (11 female). Mean age was 59.4 ± 17.0 years. Etiologies were head and neck cancer (n = 23) and neurologic conditions (n = 6). 30 PPW injections were performed concurrent with intervention on the upper esophageal sphincter (25 dilations, 3 myotomies, 2 botulinum toxin injections), and 8 with a glottic procedure (6 vocal fold injections, 2 thyroplasties). Change scores were 3.87 (-6.85 to -0.89, p = .012) for VHI-10 and -3.00 (-4.75 to -1.25, p = 0.001) for EAT-10. These were statistically different from 0 for the whole cohort but not in the subset of patients undergoing concurrent voice and/or swallow surgery. Soft palate closure scores tended to be better (but not statistically significant) on MBS after PPW injection. Hypernasality and audible nasal air emission both improved after injection. PPW injection appears to have a therapeutic effect on dysphagia/dysphonia in patients with VPD; however, many patients have multifactorial impairment. Additional study is needed to determine benefit of PPW when performed in conjunction with other procedures in this complex patient population. Level 4 (Case series) Laryngoscope, 2024.

Clinical outcomes of gingivoperiosteoplasty for unilateral cleft lip and palate performed in early childhood

Conventional gingivoperiosteoplasty (GPP) performed during infancy adversely affects maxillary development. However, the outcomes of this procedure in early childhood have rarely been reported. Therefore, we examined the postoperative outcomes of GPP conducted in patients aged 1.5 years with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP).This study included 87 non-syndromic patients with complete UCLP who had undergone early two-stage palatoplasty during the 1999–2004 period. The protocol comprised soft palate plasty at 1 year of age and hard palate closure at 1.5 years of age. In the GPP group (n=34), we introduced the GPP procedure during hard palate closure; in the non-GPP group (n=53), the labial side of the alveolar cleft remained intact. We examined computed tomography images taken at 8 years of age to observe bone formation at the alveolar cleft site. We also conducted cephalometric analysis to examine maxillary development at 12 years of age.Bone bridges at the alveolar cleft site were observed in 92% and 5.6% of the GPP and non-GPP groups, respectively. Moreover, 59% of the GPP group did not require secondary alveolar bone grafting (sABG), whereas all the patients in the non-GPP group underwent sABG. No statistically significant differences were noted in the maxillary anteroposterior length (GPP: 45.5±3.7mm, non-GPP: 45.9±3.5mm, p=0.67) and sella–nasion–point A angle (GPP: 75.6±4.5°, non-GPP: 73.8±12.6°, p=0.49).This study’s findings suggest that GPP performed at 1.5 years of age minimises the necessity of sABG and does not exert a negative influence on maxillofacial development.

Osseous Maxillary Reconstruction with Immediate Dental Implant Placement: An Optimized Workflow for the Oncologic Patient.

Maxillary reconstruction is a complex undertaking characterized by a 3-dimensional surgical site with deficiencies in multiple tissue types. Prior to virtual surgical planning(VSP), bony reconstruction was inaccurate and inefficient, thus reconstructions defaulted to soft tissue flaps or obturators. The current study describes an efficient and accurate approach to bony maxillary reconstruction with immediate dental implant placement(IDIP). A reconstructive workflow was developed for osseous reconstruction to improve functional and aesthetic outcomes. Critical aspects include VSP, 3-D printed plates and IDIP. Review of a prospectively maintained database identified patients who underwent osseous maxillary reconstruction with a fibula flap and immediate dental implants from 2017-2022, with a focus on oncologic characteristics and reconstructive outcomes. During the study, 20 patients underwent maxillary reconstruction with VSP and IDIP. One dental implant out of 55 failed to osseointegrate and no flaps were lost. Three patients suffered partial loss of the fibula skin island; one required palatal closure with a radial forearm flap, and two were managed with outpatient debridement. Fifteen patients achieved either an interim or final retained dental prosthesis. All prostheses achieved acceptable aesthetic results without the instability associated with non-bone borne devices(e.g.dentures/obturators). No patients experienced delays in oncologic treatment. VSP technology has enabled surgeons to replace like with like to achieve better outcomes with acceptable morbidity for maxillary defects. IDIP provides all patients an opportunity for a fixed prosthesis even though not all complete the process. This maxillary reconstruction workflow can be safely accomplished in oncologic patients with promising and effective early results.

Speech Outcomes after Delayed Hard Palate Closure and Synchronous Secondary Alveolar Bone Grafting in Patients with Cleft Lip, Alveolus and Palate.

Background The best timing of closure of the hard palate in individuals with cleft lip, alveolus, and palate (CLAP) to reach the optimal speech outcomes and maxillary growth is still a subject of debate. This study evaluates changes in compensatory articulatory patterns and resonance in patients with unilateral and bilateral CLAP who underwent simultaneous closure of the hard palate and secondary alveolar bone grafting (ABG). Methods A retrospective study of patients with nonsyndromic unilateral and bilateral CLAP who underwent delayed hard palate closure (DHPC) simultaneously with ABG at 9 to 12 years of age from 2013 to 2018. The articulatory patterns, nasality, degree of hypernasality, facial grimacing, and speech intelligibility were assessed pre- and postoperatively. Results Forty-eight patients were included. DHPC and ABG were performed at the mean age of 10.5 years. Postoperatively hypernasal speech was still present in 54% of patients; however, the degree of hypernasality decreased in 67% ( p < 0.001). Grimacing decreased in 27% ( p = 0.015). Articulation disorders remained present in 85% ( p = 0.375). Intelligible speech (grade 1 or 2) was observed in 71 compared with 35% of patients preoperatively ( p < 0.001). Conclusion This study showed an improved resonance and intelligibility following DHPC at the mean age of 10.5 years, however compensatory articulation errors persisted. Sequential treatments such as speech therapy play a key role in improvement of speech and may reduce remaining compensatory mechanisms following DHPC.

Maxillary reconstruction with horizontally oriented scapular tip free flap: outcomes in orbital support and palate closure

BackgroundCurrent indications of maxillary reconstruction with scapular tip free flap are palatoalveolar defects associated with zygomaticomaxillary buttress and/or orbital floor defects. The scapular tip free flap can be placed either horizontally or vertically. Horizontal placement usually allows ideal palatal conformation preventing oronasal communication but has been argued to compromise orbital support and projection of the midface, while vertical placement is advocated for midface support but may be insufficient for complete closure of the palate. The present work focuses on the horizontal placing of scapular tip free flap to allow complete palate reconstruction and fistulae prevention while still obtaining optimal midface projection and orbital support. Material and methodsWe share our experience of twenty-one case complex maxillary reconstructions with this flap, in which the horizontally placed scapular tip component replaced the palate, a muscular flap component was included for midface volume restoration and an alloplastic implant utilized for supporting the orbital content when needed. Observation and resultsNone of our patients presented palatal fistulas or alterations in the orbital support. ConclusionA multi-level approach is proposed according to the maxillectomy defect. Our experience supports the horizontal insetting of the scapular tip free flap to allow palatal fistulae prevention while still obtaining an optimal midface projection and orbital floor support.

Is the collateral circulation pattern in the hard palate affected by cleft deformity?

ObjectivesTo evaluate the influence of collateral vascularization on surgical cleft palate closure and deformities.Materials and methodsCorrosion casting was performed using red-colored acrylic resin in twelve fresh adult cadavers with a normal hard palate. Additionally, white-colored barium sulfate was injected into a fetus with a unilateral complete cleft palate, and layer-by-layer tissue dissection was performed. Both substances were injected into the external carotid arteries. Corrosion casting involved dissolving the soft and hard tissues of the orofacial area utilizing an enzymatic solution.ResultsIn normal palates, bilateral intraosseous infraorbital arteries formed a network in the premaxilla with the intraosseous nasopalatine- and greater palatine arteries (GPAs). The perforating GPAs anastomosed with the sphenopalatine artery sub-branches. Bilateral extraosseous GPA anastomoses penetrated the median palatine suture. Complex vascularization in the retrotuberal area was detected. In the cleft zone, anastomoses were omitted, whereas in the non-cleft zone, enlarged GPAs were distributed along the cleft edges and followed the anatomical course anteriorly to initiate the network with facial artery sub-branches.ConclusionsThe anatomical subunits of the palate exhibited distinct anastomosis patterns. Despite omitted anastomoses with collateral circulation in the cleft zone, arteries maintained their anatomical pattern as seen in the normal specimen in the non-cleft zone.Clinical relevanceBased on the findings in normal- and cleft palates, surgeons may expect developed anastomosis patterns in the non-cleft zone. Due to the lack of microcirculation in the cleft zone, the existent anastomoses should be maintained as much as possible by the surgical technique. This applies anteriorly in the incisive canal territory, alveolar ridges, and posteriorly in the retrotuberal area.

Respiratory outcomes after cleft palate closure in Robin sequence: a retrospective study

ObjectivesThere is a paucity of information about the possible risk factors that could identify patients with Robin sequence (RS) who are more prone to developing obstructive airway complications after palate closure. This study aimed to compare the respiratory complication rates in patients with RS and isolated cleft palate (ICP).Materials and methodsIn this retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of 243 consecutive patients with RS and ICP who were treated at Amsterdam University Medical Centers over the past 25 years. We collected preoperative data on previous treatment, diagnostic findings, surgical technique, weight, and presence of congenital anomalies.ResultsDuring cleft palate closure, patients with RS were older (11.9 versus 10.1 months; p = 0.001) and had a lower gestational age than those with ICP (37.7 versus 38.5 weeks; p = 0.002). Patients with RS had more respiratory complications (17 versus 5%; p = 0.005), were more often non-electively admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) (13 versus 4.1%; p = 0.022), and had a longer hospital stay duration (3.7 versus 2.7 days; p = 0.011) than those with ICP. The identified risk factors for respiratory problems were a history of tongue-lip-adhesion (TLA) (p = 0.007) and a preoperative weight of < 8 kg (p = 0.015). Similar risk factors were identified for PICU admission (p = 0.015 and 0.004, respectively).ConclusionsThe possible risk factors for these outcomes were a low preoperative weight and history of TLA. Closer postoperative surveillance should be considered for patients with these risk factors.Clinical relevanceIdentifying risk factors for respiratory complications could provide clinicians better insight into their patients and allows them to provide optimal care for their patients.

The relationship between cleft palate repair technique and audiological outcomes: A retrospective cohort study.

Otitis media with effusion is common in children with cleft palates. This study aimed to investigate the link between palatal closure techniques and audiological outcomes. In this retrospective-prospective cohort study, we examined the relationship between palate repair techniques and hearing outcomes in children with cleft palates. From 2017 to 2022, 190 ears of 95 cleft patients were studied at the Cleft Lip and Palate Department of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Variables assessed included the surgical technique, cleft severity, auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold, and tympanometry configuration. The mean ABR improved from a prepalatoplasty value of 39.51(11.62) decibels (dB) to a postpalatoplasty mean of 26.61(11.60) dB (Cohen's d: 1.12 [95% CI; 0.90-1.34]). Initially, 87.9% of the studied ears exhibited abnormal tympanometry, but this significantly decreased to 47% postsurgery (risk ratio: 4.43 [95% CI; 1.20-16.43]). When compared with Sommerlad intravelar veloplasty, the Nadjmi modified Furlow palatoplasty was associated with a notably lower mean ABR (β: -6.58 [95% CI: -10.43 to -2.73], p-value = .001) and a reduced frequency of abnormal tympanometry (odds ratio [OR]: -1.10; 95% CI: -1.85 to -0.36, p-value = .004). Factors like prepalatoplasty ABR, cleft palate severity, gender, and syndromic did not confound these findings. Although the Nadjmi modified Furlow palatoplasty showed better results, our findings indicate a significant improvement in ABR and tympanometry outcomes for both techniques. Future randomized controlled trials are suggested to confirm the influence of palatal closure techniques on audiological outcomes. 3b.

Two-stage palatal repair in non-syndromic CLP patients using anterior to posterior closure is associated with minimal need for secondary palatal surgery

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to assess the need for secondary palatal corrective surgery in a concept of palate repair that uses a protocol of anterior to posterior closure of primary palate, hard palate and soft palate.MethodsA data base of patients primarily operated between 2001 and 2021 at the Craniofacial and Cleft Care Center of the University Goettingen was evaluated. Cleft lips had been repaired using Tennison Randall and Veau-Cronin procedures in conjunction with alveolar cleft repair. Cleft palate repair in CLP patients was accomplished in two steps with repair of primary palate and hard palate first using vomer flaps at the age of 10–12 months and subsequent soft palate closure using Veau/two-flap procedures 3 months later. Isolated cleft palate repair was performed in a one-stage operation using Veau/two-flap procedures. Data on age, sex, type of cleft, date and type of surgery, occurrence and location of oronasal fistulae, date and type of secondary surgery performed for correction of oronasal fistula (ONF)and / or Velophyaryngeal Insufficiency (VPI) were extracted. The rate of skeletal corrective surgery was registered as a proxy for surgery induced facial growth disturbance.ResultsIn the 195 patients with non-syndromic complete CLP evaluated, a total number of 446 operations had been performed for repair of alveolar cleft and cleft palate repair (Veau I through IV). In 1 patient (0,5%), an ONF occurred requiring secondary repair. Moreover, secondary surgery for correction of VPI was required in 1 patient (0,5%) resulting in an overall rate of 1% of secondary palatal surgery. Skeletal corrective surgery was indicated in 6 patients (19,3%) with complete CLP in the age group of 15 – 22 years (n = 31).ConclusionsThe presented data have shown that two-step sequential cleft palate closure of primary palate and hard palate first followed by soft palate closure has been associated with minimal rate of secondary corrective surgery for ONF and VPI at a relatively low need for surgical skeletal correction.

Comparative study on cleft palate morphology after passive presurgical plate therapy in unilateral cleft lip and palate

Presurgical plate therapy has been widely accepted as a treatment prior to palatal cleft closure. The effects of passive presurgical plate therapy on cleft morphology prior to single-stage unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) repair were quantified. We compared the dimensions of cleft width and cleft area (true cleft and palatal cleft) measured preoperatively at 2 European cleft centers. Center A performed single-stage UCLP repair in 8-month-old infants without any presurgical orthopedic treatment. Center B initiated passive presurgical plate therapy immediately after the birth of the neonates, followed by single-stage UCLP repair at 8 months of age. We included 28 patients with complete UCLP from Center A and 12 patients from Center B. The average anterior width of the true cleft before surgery was significantly smaller in infants at Center B than that in Center A (p=0.001) with 95% confidence interval of (1.8, 5.7) mm, but the average posterior width was similar in the 2 groups. The mean presurgical true cleft area amounted to 106.8mm2 (SD=42.4mm2) at Center A and 71.9mm2 (SD=32.2mm2) at Center B, with a confidence interval for the difference being (9.8, 60.1) mm2. This corresponded to a 32.7% reduction of the true cleft area when passive presurgical plate therapy was used for the first 8 months of the infants' life. Passive presurgical plate therapy in UCLP significantly reduced the cleft area. Implications for the subsequent surgical outcome might depend on the surgical technique used.

Experience with double transposition flaps and intravelar veloplasty for closure of wide cleft palates

ABSTRACT Background: Repairing a wide cleft palate is a challenging task for surgeons. The goals of cleft palate repair such as achieving anatomical closure of the defect, complete velopharyngeal closure, speech development, and to minimize dentoalveolar anomalies are difficult to achieve in wide and massive cleft palates. Several methods have been described for the same. We performed double transposition flaps combined with intravelar veloplasty in our patients. In this article, we share our experience with the same. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 9 cases, in which double transposition flaps with intravelar veloplasty were performed. Patient demographics, clinical data, and outcomes were analyzed. Functional status including nasal resonance and palatal mobility were assessed with nasal endoscopy. Results: The average age at the time of surgery was 17 months. Four patients had associated diseases. The mean operative time was 55.7 min. The mean follow-up period is 23.7 months. Only posterior palatal closure was done in all the cases and patients were managed temporarily with obturators and are planned for delayed closure later. Conclusion: Double transposition flap is a safe, effective, and technically less demanding procedure. It has no wound complications and can avoid the need for osteotomy to correct maxillary retrusion. The main drawback of the procedure is the creation of an anterior palatal fistula that needs closure later.

Across-surface distances after one- and two-stage palatoplasty in children with oral cleft.

The goal of this study was to digitally evaluate the development of maxillary dental arches of children with unilateral cleft lip and palate treated with one- and two-stage palatal closure. One hundred and sixty-eight digitized dental models of cheiloplasty and one-stage palatoplasty (G1) and cheiloplasty and two-stage palatoplasty (G2) were evaluated at preoperative time 1 (T1), preoperative time 2 (T2), and postoperative (T3). The following surface distances were evaluated: across surface distance; cleft widths anterior (P-P') and posterior (U-U') cleft widths, intercanine width (C-C'), and intertuberosity width (T-T'); smallest (P'-T') and largest (P-T) segment lengths; and smallest (C'-D') and largest (C-D) segment cleft depths. In G1, P-P', U-U', and C-C' reduced at T2, unlike P'-T' (P<0.05). P-T and C'-D' distances increased at T3 (P<0.05), while C-D increased at all stages (P<0.001). In G2, U-U' and C-C' reduced at T2 (P<0.05), while P'-T', P-T, C'-D', and C-D' increased at T3 (P<0.001). In an intergroup analysis of growth rate, G2 showed higher growth percentages compared to G1, in which C'-D' was significant (P=0.038). Furthermore, C'-D' presented a coefficient of determination of 0.076 (P=0.039). In conclusion, dental arch development is influenced by the rehabilitation protocol. However, in the sample evaluated, the comparison suggested that individuals whose palate was operated on in two stages had the most favorable palatal growth.

Palatal fistula closure with lengthening of soft palate using a pedicled buccal fat and a buccinator flap: a case report

Palatal fistula closure with lengthening of soft palate using a pedicled buccal fat and a buccinator flap: a case report

Use of a barrier membrane to repair congenital hard palate defects and to close oronasal fistulae remaining after cleft palate repair: seven dogs (2019-2022).

To describe the use of a barrier membrane in dogs for repair of congenital hard palate defects and closure of oronasal fistulae (ONF) remaining after previous cleft palate (CFP) repair. 7 client-owned dogs. The hard palate defect was closed with medially positioned flaps (Von Langenbeck technique) or pedicle flaps (2-flap palatoplasty) and a membrane composed of autologous auricular cartilage from the pinna or allogenous fascia lata underlying the mucoperiosteal flaps. All palate defects were considered to have a high risk of dehiscence based on their type and size and the characteristics of the surrounding tissue. The barrier membrane was used in 5 dogs for repair of congenital hard palate defects and in 2 dogs for closure of ONF remaining after previous CFP repair. Resolution of clinical signs occurred in all cases. Complete success (ie, complete closure of the palate defect and absence of clinical signs) was achieved in 5 dogs (4 with congenital hard palate defects and 1 with an ONF remaining after previous CFP repair). The persistent ONF in 1 dog with functional success (incomplete closure, but no clinical signs) was smaller than prior to surgery. Barrier membranes underlying mucoperiosteal flaps may constitute an alternative technique in dogs for repair of congenital hard palate defects and closure of ONF remaining after previous CFP repair.

Evaluation of using collagen membrane as interpositional material in closure of palatal fistula in cleft patients

Background Palatal fistula after palatal surgery in cleft patients is an annoying problem for both patients and maxillofacial surgeons. The occurrence of fistula is determined by the severity of the underlying defect, the repair technique utilized and the stress applied to the wound. Fistula recurrence rates range from 0% to 58%. Depending on the size, recurrence rate, and surgeon skill, various procedures for palatal fistula closure are documented, ranging from local mucoperiosteal flaps to free flaps. Colla-D is a pure collagen membrane developed to facilitate directed tissue regeneration and aid in the closure of palatal fistulas. Patients and methods A prospective randomized noncontrolled clinical research was conducted on 12 patients with palatal fistulas in the hard palate of cleft patients aged 6 to 20 years. Collagen membrane (Colla-D type BS) is utilized as an interposition material between the oral and nasal layers in cleft patients to aid in the closure of palatal fistulas. Results Collagen membrane was integrated with successful fistula closure in nine (75%) individuals, but palatal closure failure was detected early postoperatively in three (25%) patients. In seven patients, the oral mucosal layer dehisced, exposing the membrane, which was gradually covered by creeping oral mucosa in 4 of 7 patients over a period of 2 to 4 weeks postoperatively. All patients improved in nasalance and even failed cases improved slightly due to a decrease in fistula size, with a mean progress of 33.92% and a standard deviation of 7.28. Conclusions Colla-D collagen membrane is a safe and effective adjunct for the closure of palatal fistulas located in hard palate.

The First Alveolar Bone Graft Simulator.

Alveolar bone graft (ABG) surgery in cleft patients is technically challenging. The procedure requires design, dissection and release of soft tissue flaps to create a seal around the bone graft. In addition, visualization during the procedure is challenging within the confines of the cleft. These features make ABG surgery difficult to learn and teach, and it is, therefore, a suitable procedure for the use of a simulator. A high-fidelity cleft ABG simulator was developed using three-dimensional printing, polymer, and adhesive techniques. Simulated ABG surgery was performed by two expert cleft surgeons for a total of five simulation sessions to test the simulator's features and the ability to perform the critical steps of an ABG. ABG surgery was successfully performed on the simulator. The simulations involved interacting with realistic dissection planes as well as multi-layered synthetic soft (periosteum, mucosa, gingiva, adipose tissue) and hard (teeth, bone) tissue. The simulator allowed performance of cleft marginal incisions, dissection, and elevation of a muco-gingival-periosteal flap, creation of nasal upturned and palatal downturned flaps, nasal and palatal side closure, insertion of simulated bone graft material, and advancement of the muco-gingival-periosteal flap for closure of the anterior wall of the cleft. The ABG simulator allowed performance of the critical steps of ABG surgery. This is the first ABG simulator developed, which incorporates the features necessary to practice the procedure from start to finish.

Cleft palate in Pierre Robin syndrome: A Review of 7 cases

IntroductionPierre Robin syndrome is a malformative sequence associating retrognathism, glossoptosis and a median cleft palate which is usually large. This poses the problem of its therapeutic management. PurposeTo show the approach of the Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of the Mohammed VI University Hospital in the management of cleft palate in Pierre Robin syndrome.This was a retrospective study, covering 5 years, which allowed us to include 7 cases of cleft palate in Pierre Robin syndrome. Our study parameters were epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary. ResultsThe average age of our patients, at the time of the 1st consultation, was 4 months. There was a slight male predominance with a sex ratio = 1.3. The patients presented a U-shaped cleft in 57.1% of cases, and a V-shaped cleft in 42.9% of cases. Three patients underwent a one-stage closure by velopalatoplasty using the Von Langenbeck technique. Four patients underwent a 2-stage closure, i.e., intravascular veloplasty in the first stage, followed by closure of the residual cleft palate in the second stage. The results were satisfactory. A palatal fistula was noted in 42.8% of cases, which was managed secondarily. ConclusionThe management of cleft palate in Pierre Robin syndrome is a real challenge for the maxillofacial surgeon.

Anatomical and Surgical Implications of the Usage of Bichat Fat Pad in Oroantral Communication, Maxillary, Palatal, and Related Surgeries-Narrative Review.

The buccal fat pad, also called the Bichat's fat pad (BFP), is an encapsulated fat mass located in the cheek. This type of specialized fat mass can be used both as a pedicular or free graft in various surgeries and approaches. Due to its easy access from the oral cavity approach, it is commonly used for oroantral and palatal fistula closure. The knowledge of its anatomy and surrounding tissues plays a role in its mobilization and suturing onto the desired defect in the palatal or maxillary region. The BFP is mostly associated with the primary approach used for a fistula or bone surgery. Alternatively, the procedure can be performed with a single approach incision, which does not compromise the appearance or the function of the operating or adjacent areas. The most important inclusion criteria for BFP usage and surgical limitations are highlighted. The BFP is used for multiple purposes in reconstructive and oncology surgery and also has its use in esthetic and facial contouring procedures. The amount, volume, and shape of the BFP are mostly associated with the scope of their usage. The aim of the following narrative review is to present the surgical and anatomical implications of fat pads in maxillary and palatal surgeries.