Palatal Fistula Research Articles

Management of cleft lip and palate in Egypt: A National survey.

Background:Variable protocols for the management of cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) patients are currently used. However, to our knowledge, there are no previously published data about cleft management and practice in Egypt.Materials and Methods:One-hundred questionnaires were distributed to cleft surgeons attending the annual meeting of the Egyptian Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons in March 2016 to investigate timing, techniques and complications of cleft surgery. Seventy-two colleagues returned the questionnaire, and the data were analysed using Microsoft Excel software.Results:The majority of cleft lip cases are repaired between 3 and 6 months. Millard and Tennison repairs for unilateral cleft lip, while Millard and Manchester techniques for bilateral cleft lip are the most commonly performed. Cleft palate is usually repaired between 9 and 12 months with the two-flap push-back technique being the most commonly used. The average palatal fistula rate is 20%. Pharyngeal flap is the method of choice to correct velopharyngeal incompetence. Polyglactin 910 is the most commonly used suture material in cleft surgery in the country. Multidisciplinary cleft management is reported only by 16.5% of participants.Conclusion:Management of CLP in Egypt is mainly dependent on personal preference, not on constitutional protocols. There is a lack of multidisciplinary approach and patients’ registration systems in the majority of centres. The establishment of cleft teams from the concerned medical specialties is highly recommended for a more efficient care of cleft patients.

Use of Limberg flap double layered palatoplasty in the closure of acquired oro-nasal fistula in adults – A series of 7 cases with 6 months follow-up

ObjectiveOronasal fistula (ONF) is an abnormal communication between the oral and nasal cavity. It may arise in consequence to iatrogenic injury, neoplasms, trauma or following cleft palate repair. Closure of palatal fistula can be achieved by local and regional flaps. These procedures are often cumbersome and leave a raw nasal/oral surface which may increase the incidence of postoperative problems. The reported recurrence rate of the fistula is between 37% - 65%. The present paper demonstrates the versatility of the rhomboid flap in the closure of ONF in a two-layered fashion to avoid recurrence and donor site morbidity. MethodsSeven patients (male, 6; female, 1) underwent reconstruction with Limberg flap for traumatic oronasal fistula of size less than 15 mm in its greatest dimension. The mucoperiosteum was first elevated gently and inverted to close the nasal side as a hinged flap, followed by the Limberg rhomboid flap, raised from one corner of the defect to provide tension-free closure of the oral surface. ResultsThe fistula was completely closed in all cases at the first attempt, without any peri- operative complications. All fistulas successively healed, and none of our patients developed any significant postoperative bleeding, infection or fistula recurrence during the entire follow-up period of 6-9 months. ConclusionThis study elucidates that Limberg flap procedure can be performed for managing oronasal fistula with a low complication rate, short hospital stays, and good long-term results. It can be used as an alternative to the existing conventional techniques in the closure of ONF.

Cut-edge mucoperiosteal flap for anterior fixation of palatal flap in palatoplasty

Introduction: This study was done at Mansoura University Children Hospital, Egypt from the period of June 2013 to June 2015 on 80 patients with incomplete intramaxillary cleft palate. Patients and methods: After oral layer closure of the cleft palate, anterior fixation of the flap is obtained by raising the anterior cut-edge of mucoperiosteal flap for about 0.5 cm then suturing the flap to the elevated cut-edge with two stitches. We divided the patients into two groups and evaluated the time needed for fixation the palatal flap and difficulty of fixation and evaluated the incidence of anterior palatal fistula between the two groups. Results: The time used for elevation of the flap and taking the two stitches in group A ranged from 2.5 to 6 min. However, the time used for taking the two stitches without elevation of the flap in group B ranged from 2.8 to 9 min. Conclusion: We found that cut-edge mucoperiosteal flap for anterior fixation of two-flap palatoplasty is a simple step at the end of cleft palate repair procedure which allows easy fixation of the palatal flap with short time and good opposition of the tissue edges, allowing better healing. Keywords: anterior fixation palatal flap, cut-edge, palatoplasty

The spectrum of intraoral bacteria seen in patients with cleft palates in an African setting.

Dehiscence or palatal fistula formation following palatoplasty is a complication that has grave consequences for the patient that include tissue loss, emotional distress to the parents and patient, and further medical costs. Palatal dehiscence or fistula formation is multifactorial following surgery—tension of wound closure, poor patient adherence to postoperative orders and wound infection are the most common causes for this. Oral colonization with pathogenic organisms could play a role in wound healing complications. Identification of intraoral bacteria among patients with cleft palates has thus far not been performed. To identify the spectrum of intraoral bacteria in cleft palate patients in an African setting; a retrospective, chart review was performed at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital—a quaternary hospital in Durban, South Africa. All patients with unrepaired cleft palates who underwent palatoplasty in 2015 were included. Fifty‐two patients were included. Preoperative throat/palatal swabs were taken prior to palatoplasty. The various bacteria cultured from the aforementioned swabs were cataloged. Various bacteria were cultured. In total, 23 patients (44.2%) had positive swab cultures. Eighteen cultures (34.6%) had gram‐positive growth only, four cultures (7.7%) had gram‐negative growth only, while one patient (1.9%) cultured both a gram‐positive and a gram‐negative organism. Streptococcus viridans was the most commonly cultured organism (19.2%) while beta‐hemolytic streptococci were cultured from only 4 swabs (7.7%). Our study cataloged the commonly occurring bacteria found in unrepaired cleft palate patients in Africa. Further research into the clinical significance of each bacteria is advised.

A Prospective Study Investigating Fistula Rate Following Primary Palatoplasty Using Acellular Dermal Matrix

Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has been described as an adjunct in primary cleft palate repair to reduce the fistula rate in several retrospective studies (level III or lower); however, current data are insufficient to definitively conclude its efficacy for this purpose. The goal of the present study was to provide prospective, higher level of evidence data investigating the effect of ADM on fistula rate following primary palatoplasty. A prospective clinical trial was conducted in which ADM was used uniformly in all primary cleft palate repairs that met inclusion criteria. For comparison, a matched control group was identified (retrospectively) from the same center/surgeon's database. Primary outcome was the rate of palatal fistula formation. Secondary outcomes included bleeding, infection, and delayed healing. A total of 130 patients were included in the analysis consisting of 65 in both the study and control groups. There were no statistically significant differences in patient demographics or cleft /surgical characteristics. The results demonstrated a fistula rate of 1.5% in the study group versus 12.3% in the control group (P = 0.03). The other complications (infection, bleeding, delayed healing) were similar between the groups. The study provides the highest level of evidence currently available (level II, prospective data) investigating the effect of ADM on fistula rate following primary palatoplasty. The results demonstrate a low overall fistula rate (1.5%) and suggest there may be a clinically significant reduction in fistula formation associated with the routine use of ADM in all primary palate repairs.

De-mucosalized pharyngeal flap: a modified technique for selected cases of velopharyngeal insufficiency.

Superiorly based posterior pharyngeal flap is performed via rotation of tissues of the posterior pharyngeal wall anteriorly and anchoring it to the soft palate. Unfortunately, bad healing of the donor site defect might be a considerable cause of morbidity of the surgery. With some modifications of flap elevation we could achieve better surgical outcomes. The aim of this study was to present the new modification of the conventional maneuver and its surgical/functional outcomes. The study design is a case series. 17 patients underwent the de-mucosalized superiorly based pharyngeal flap for the treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency. A wide laterally based (mucosa-only) flap was elevated off the submucosa of the posterior pharyngeal wall and then a superiorly based posterior pharyngeal flap (bared of its covering mucosa) was elevated and sutured to the palate. The mucosal flap was draped over the bed and sutured. No significant complications as airway problems, infection and bleeding were reported. Also, the postoperative pain was tolerable and there were no reports of neck rigidity with early ambulation; VAS showed significant improvement. No patients showed flap dehiscence or palatal fistula. Speech assessment showed improvement. The modified de-mucosalized, superiorly based pharyngeal flap technique ensured self-mucosal draping of the bed, thus it would enhance primary healing and decrease postoperative pain with the resultant early ambulation. We believe that the new modified technique could correct VPI, in addition to the improvement of patients' comfort and decrease the morbidity of the procedure.

Cleft Palate Fistula Closure Utilizing Acellular Dermal Matrix.

Summary:Fistulas represent failure of cleft palate repair. Secondary and tertiary fistula repair is challenging, with high recurrence rates. In the present retrospective study, we review the efficacy of using acellular dermal matrix as an interposition layer for cleft palate fistula closure in 20 consecutive patients between 2013 and 2016. Complete fistula closure was obtained in 16 patients; 1 patient had asymptomatic recurrent fistula; 2 patients had partial closure with reduction of fistula size and minimal nasal regurgitation; 1 patient developed a recurrent fistula without changes in symptoms (success rate of 85%). We conclude that utilizing acellular dermal matrix for cleft palate fistula repair is safe and simple with a high success rate.

Time Trends and Determinants of Fistula in Cleft Patients at BC Children's Hospital, Canada: A Retrospective 18-Year Medical Chart Audit.

To examine the time trends and determinants of palatal fistula in children with different types of cleft at British Columbia's Children's Hospital between 1995 and 2012. A total of 558 medical charts of nonsyndromic patients with cleft lip and palate were eligible for the chart review. The occurrence of primary palatal fistula was assessed at any time throughout the patient's total observation period. Three types of clefts were recorded: unilateral cleft lip and palate (ULCLP), bilateral cleft lip and palate (BLCLP), and isolated cleft palate (ICP). Cleft severity, time period of treatment, type of surgery and surgeon's experience were tested as determinants. Of all 558 patients, 228 had ULCLP, 226 had ICP, and 104 had BLCLP. The combined postoperative palatal fistula rate was 28%. The significant differences in fistula rates related to type of cleft (patients with BLCLP had the highest fistula rates), time period (rates were higher in earlier years than in later years), type of surgery (highest rates were for two-flap palatoplasty), and surgeons with less experience. Almost one quarter of the patients, developed fistula, and fistula incidence declined after 2009. The higher fistula rates were determined by cleft severity, time period of treatment, type of surgery, and surgeon's experience.

Minimally invasive versus standard approach in LeFort 1 osteotomy in patients with history of cleft lip and palate

ObjectiveCompare literature-reported efficiency and complications of the standard maxillary advancement surgery with those of a minimally invasive mucosal approach in patients with CL/P requiring Le Fort 1 osteotomy. DesignMeta-analysis vs. retrospective analysis of 18 consecutive cases. SettingDepartment of maxillofacial surgery at a tertiary-level public general hospital. ParticipantsThe meta-analysis encompassed Medline, Embase and Cochrane, years 1990 to 2014, inclusive. The local series concerned all squeletally mature adolescents with non-syndromic CL/P who underwent orthognathic surgery between 30 April 2004 and 27 January 2012. InterventionsMinimally invasive approach and perioperative orthodontics including intermaxillary fixation for 3 months after surgery. Main outcome measure(s)Assessment of complications. Standard lateral cephalograms were taken before surgery, then <1 week and 12 months after surgery. Delaire's cephalometric analysis was performed and the position of the maxilla was recorded. ResultsThere were no significant differences between the literature and our series regarding sex and type of deformity (P=0.634 and 0.779, respectively). The mean horizontal and vertical relapse rates were 0.61 and 1.17mm (vs. 1.29 and 1.48mm in the meta-analysis) and the overall complication rate was 22.2% (vs. 12.76% but P=0.271). There was a significant difference regarding the palatal fistula rate (0 here vs. 21.43% in meta-analysis, P=0.028). ConclusionsThe minimally invasive approach showed trends toward less relapse and less complications than conventional approaches. This technique seems adapted to the management of patients with CL/P sequelae. Other benefiting groups are underway.

Palatal Fistula Risk after Primary Palatoplasty

Humanitarian surgical organizations provide palatoplasties for patients without access to surgical care. Few organizations have evaluated the outcomes of these trips. This study evaluates the palatal fistula rate in patients from two cohorts in rural China and one in the United States. This study compared the odds of fistula formation among three cohorts whose palates were repaired between 2005 and 2009. One cohort included 97 Chinese patients operated on by teams from the United States and Canada under the auspices of Resurge International. They were compared to cohorts at Huaxi Stomatology Hospital and the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Age, fistula presence, and Veau class were compared among cohorts using Chi-square tests. Logistic regression was used to analyze predictors of fistula formation. The fistula risk was 35.4% in patients treated by humanitarian teams, 12.8% at Huaxi University Hospital and 2.5% at UCSF ( P < 0.001). Age and Veau class were associated with fistula formation (Age P = 0.0015; Veau P < 0.001). ReSurge and Huaxi patients had 20.2 and 5.6 times the odds of developing a fistula, respectively, compared to UCSF patients ( P < 0.01, both). A multivariable model controlling for surgical group, age, and gender showed an association between Veau class and the odds of fistula formation. Chinese children undergoing palatoplasty by international teams had higher odds of palatal fistula than children treated by Chinese surgeons in established institutions and children treated in the United States. More research is required to identify factors affecting complication rates in low-resource environments.

Incidence of Palatal Fistula at Time of Secondary Alveolar Cleft Reconstruction

We aim to establish consistent time points for evaluating palatal fistula incidence to standardize reporting practices and clarify prospective literature. An institutional retrospective chart review was conducted on 76 patients with unilateral or bilateral complete cleft lip and palate who underwent secondary alveolar bone grafting between 2006 and 2015. Early fistula incidence rates were reported prior to maxillary expansion, and late fistula rates were reported at the time of alveolar bone grafting. Fistula recurrence rates after primary repair were also measured. We found an early fistula incidence rate of 20% (n = 15) and a late fistula rate of 55% (n = 42) at the time of secondary ABG. Fistulae recurred after initial repair in 43% of cases. Fistulae were classified using the Pittsburgh Classification System as type III (33%), type IV (60%), or type V (7%). The presence of a bilateral cleft ( P = 0.01) and history of early fistula repair ( P < 0.01) were associated with late fistula incidence in a univariate analysis. In a logistic regression model, only early fistula repair was associated with late fistula incidence (OR = 17.17) and overall likelihood of recurrence (OR = 70.89). Early fistulae should be reported prior to orthodontic expansion of the maxillary arch. Late fistulae should be reported at the time of ABG, following palatal expansion. Patients who develop an early fistula after palatoplasty are likely to experience recurrent fistula formation.

Reliability of Oronasal Fistula Classification.

Oronasal fistula is an important complication of cleft palate repair that is frequently used to evaluate surgical quality, yet reliability of fistula classification has never been examined. The objective of this study was to determine the reliability of oronasal fistula classification both within individual surgeons and between multiple surgeons. Using intraoral photographs of children with repaired cleft palate, surgeons rated the location of palatal fistulae using the Pittsburgh Fistula Classification System. Intrarater and interrater reliability scores were calculated for each region of the palate. Eight cleft surgeons rated photographs obtained from 29 children. Within individual surgeons reliability for each region of the Pittsburgh classification ranged from moderate to almost perfect (κ = .60-.96). By contrast, reliability between surgeons was lower, ranging from fair to substantial (κ = .23-.70). Between-surgeon reliability was lowest for the junction of the soft and hard palates (κ = .23). Within-surgeon and between-surgeon reliability were almost perfect for the more general classification of fistula in the secondary palate (κ = .95 and κ = .83, respectively). This is the first reliability study of fistula classification. We show that the Pittsburgh Fistula Classification System is reliable when used by an individual surgeon, but less reliable when used among multiple surgeons. Comparisons of fistula occurrence among surgeons may be subject to less bias if they use the more general classification of "presence or absence of fistula of the secondary palate" rather than the Pittsburgh Fistula Classification System.

Single-Stage Repair of Palatal Fistula and Velopharyngeal Incompetence by the New L Flap.

To describe and assess the results of use of the new L-shaped posterior pharyngeal flap for repair of both palatal fistula and velopharyngeal incompetence. This study included 10 patients who were diagnosed to have soft palate fistula and persistent velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). L-shaped superiorly based pharyngeal flap was harvested from oropharynx and inserted into the soft palate closing the fistula after fistula trimming. The palatal part of the flap (transverse limb) was spread 1 cm horizontally and 1 cm in the anteroposterior direction in soft palate at fistula site closing it without tension. Prior to and after surgery, patients were assessed by examination, video-nasoendoscopy, and speech assessment. Closure of the palatal fistula could be achieved in all patients. Postoperative speech assessment showed significant improvement in the nasal emission, resonance, intraoral pressure, and articulation defects. Grade 4 velopharyngeal valve closure (complete closure) could be achieved in all patients. No patients showed dehiscence (partial or total) of the flap and no obstructive sleep apnea reported. The new used L-shaped pharyngeal flap could properly close palatal fistula and correct velopharyngeal functions (closure and speech) in patients with persistent VPI with no reported significant complication and without the need for palatal dissection or flaps.

Tongue flap as salvage procedure for recurrent and large palatal fistula after cleft palate repair.

Background:Recurrent palatal fistula is a common complication of cleft palate repair. The main causes are poor surgical technique or vascular accidents and infection. Local flaps are not adequate for larger and recurrent fistula. The aim of this study is to analyze the utility of tongue flap in recurrent and large palatal fistula repair.Materials and Methods:From January 2008 to July 2016, 18 patients with recurrent palatal fistula were included in the study. All the patients had undergone repair of cleft palate and fistula previously. Tongue flap repair of the recurrent palatal fistula was performed in all 18 patients. The flaps were divided after 3 weeks and final inset was done. Flap viability, fistula closure, residual tongue function, esthetics, and speech impediment were assessed.Results:In all the patients, fistula could be closed primarily by tongue flap. None of the patients developed flap necrosis while flap dehiscence and bleeding were observed in one patient each. No functional deformity of the tongue and donor-site morbidity was seen. Speech was improved in 80% cases.Conclusion:The central position, mobility, excellent vascularity, and versatility of tongue flap make particularly suitable choice for the repair of large fistula in palates scarred by previous surgery. It is very well tolerated by children. We, therefore, recommend tongue flap for large and recurrent palatal fistula in children.

Functional and esthetic rehabilitation of an adolescent patient with palatal fistula and rotated maxillary central incisors

Individuals with cleft lip and palate may experience problems with feeding, speaking, hearing, and social integration that can be corrected to varying degrees. This case report presents a method of restoration of form, function, and esthetics in a 14-year-old patient of cleft palate fistula. Interim hollow obturator was added to the lightness of the prosthesis along with adding resonance of speech and preventing regurgitation of fluids. Porcelain-fused metal crowns were also added to the overall esthetics of the patient that is one of the primary concerns during adolescence.

Access to the Skull Base - Maxillary Swing Procedure - Long Term Analysis.

Background:Skull base is difficult to approach surgically due to its complex anatomy. A number of procedures that is endoscopic, microscopic, and open approaches have been used. The maxillary swing approach provides a wide exposure to the surgeon for better oncological clearance.Patients and Methods:A total of 62 patients with varied etiologies involving the skull base region were operated with maxillary swing procedure over a period of 15 years from 2001 to 2016 in plastic surgery department at a single institution.Results:There was no recurrence in the follow-up period. One patient had palatal fistula and one patient had mild nasal mucosal atrophy. None of the patients had malocclusion in the postoperative period. The minimum follow-up period was 24 months.Conclusion:Maxillary swing procedure provides excellent exposure to skull base, and most of the tumors involving this region can be effectively excised with minimal morbidity to the patient.

Incidence and Contributing Factors for Palatal Fistula after Primary Palatoplasty in a Medical Collaboration Program in Madagascar

Incidence and Contributing Factors for Palatal Fistula after Primary Palatoplasty in a Medical Collaboration Program in Madagascar

Successfully Closing an Acquired Palatal-fistula Using a Turnover Flap from a Previously Transferred Forearm-free-flap

Summary:Palatal fistula between the oral and nasal cavities occurs in about 20% of palatal repairs after oncologic resection. Although healing by secondary intention may be employed as an initial strategy, persistent nonhealing symptomatic fistula necessitates intervention. Folded free flap used for primary repair of palatectomy defects enables placement of epithelialized tissue on both the oral and nasal cavities. In case of acquired palatal fistula, a turnover flap can be easily created, based on the free margin of the folded forearm free flap to serve as a reconstructive lifeboat.

Placement of an antibiotic oral pack on the hard palate after primary cleft palatoplasty: a randomized controlled trial into the effect on fistula rates

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to determine whether placement of an antibiotic oral pack on the hard palate reduces fistula rates after primary cleft palatoplasty.Subjects and methodsThis study was a parallel blocked randomized controlled trial. The study consisted of two groups of 100 patients each with non-syndromic unilateral complete cleft lip, alveolus, and hard and soft palate that underwent primary palatoplasty. Group A had an oral pack placed on the hard palate for 5 days postoperatively while group B did not. Occurrence of fistulae between both groups was tested using odds ratios (OR).ResultsIn 2% of the patients in group A, a fistula was found 6 months after palatal surgery. In contrast, in 21% of the patients in group B, a palatal fistula could be confirmed. The fistula occurrence in group A was statistically significantly lower than that in group B (OR = 0.0768, CI = [0.02 … 0.34], p < 0.001).ConclusionThe findings of this study provide evidence that the rate of fistula formation after primary palatoplasty is significantly reduced if a pack soaked with antibiotic cream is placed on the palate postoperatively for 5 days.Clinical relevanceThe use of an antibiotic pack after cleft palate repair can be recommended to prevent occurrence of oronasal fistulae.

Double palatal flap for oro-nasal fistula closure.

The management of oral fistula to the nose depends on its etiology, its size and its location. Here, we describe a simple technique, inspired by the ones initially developed by Bardach for cleft palates repair. The surgical alternatives are discussed. The double palatal flap is a simple technique, allowing closure in a single session of a central or centro-lateral palate fistula. The key of this technique is the dissection between nasal and palate mucous layers, providing a sufficient amount of laxity to close the defect without tension. The double palatal flap can cover centro-lateral palate mucosal fistulae. It provides both aesthetic and functional results in a single stage. Reliability, simplicity and quickness are its main advantages. Outcomes are usually simple; Velar insufficiency may occur, that can be corrected by speech therapy.