Publication: Anterior Palatal Fistula Closure with Tongue Flap
Date
2025
Article Type
Case Report
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
3059-9547
Volume Title
Pages
Pages: 98 - 100
Publisher
Public Health Concern Trust-Nepal (phect-NEPAL)
Abstract
Abstract:
Palatal fistula is an abnormal oronasal communication with incidence of 4% to 35% and recurrence up to 25%. Repairing large palatal fistula can be technically challenging. Anteriorly based tongue flap may be the flap of choice for recurrent and symptomatic anterior palatal fistula. A case of bilateral complete cleft lip, alveolus and palate with residual anterior palatal fistula was successfully managed with anteriorly based tongue flap. Postoperative care included liquid diet, oral hygiene and flap division after 2 weeks. Wound healing was satisfactory and uneventful. No flap loss, speech impairment, taste disturbance or functional tongue morbidity was noted. The tongue flap is a highly reliable flap with reported success rates of 85% to 95.5% in management of palatal fistula. Based on our experience, tongue can be considered a good option and highly recommended for the closure of large & recurrent palatal fistula.
Description
Bipulesh Goit
Department of Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kirtipur Hospital, Kirtipur, Nepal
Sunil Kumar Singh
Department of Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kirtipur Hospital, Kirtipur, Nepal
Swosti Thapa
Department of Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kirtipur Hospital, Kirtipur, Nepal
Leeza Pradhan
Department of Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kirtipur Hospital, Kirtipur, Nepal
Pramila Shakya
Department of Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kirtipur Hospital, Kirtipur, Nepal
Keywords
cleft palate, palatal fistula, tongue flap
Identifier
https://doi.org/10.63455/zd2pg393