ABSTRACT
Objective To discuss the preventive measures of anterior palatal fistula by modified the operation of cleft palate. Methods For 23 patients of complete cleft palate with alveolar ridge cleft, bilateral mucoperiosteum flap was moved forward as possible so as to close fistula front of hard palate, and incised junction of the hard and soft palate to prolong soft palate and the wound was repaired by buccal mucosal flap.The incidence of anterior palatal fistula and velopharyngeal closure after operation was observed. Results Twenty-three patients were rechecked 1 month after operation ,there was no anterior palatal fistula occurring,10 cases were examined by epipharyngoscope 1 year after operation,the velopharyngeal closure was 90%-100%. Six cases were followed up for 6 months,the velopharyngeal closure was 80%-85%. Conclusions For second-stage operation methods of anterior palatal fistula, there are too many discussions of selection criterias, advantages and disadvantages. If first-stage operation is taken measures to prevent anterior palatal fistula or decrease the diameter of fistula as possible. It reduces percentage of second-stage operation or decreases the difficulty. It should get more attention in the clinical works.