Reconstruction of anterior palatal fi stula with anterior-based lingual fl ap. Case report

Abstract

Oro-nasal fistulae are amongst the most common sequels after surgical repair procedures of cleft palate patients. The aim of the present study was to present the experience of using tongue fl aps for closure of wide (over 1 cm) anterior palatal fi stulae, or in those cases when surgery had previously failed. Closure with tongue fl aps of anterior palatal fi stulae larger than 1 cm, or when previous treatments have failed is one of the most successful treatment options reported in scientific literature. In the present article we
introduce the case of a 23 year old male with bilateral cleft palate and lip surgery sequels. The patient attended the Maxillofacial and Oral Clinic of the Graduate and Research School. Intra-oral exploration revealed a 2.5 diameter anterior palatal fistula. The patient informed of a history of several failed surgical attempts; it was therefore decided to close the anterior palatal fi stula with an anterior based tongue fl ap.