Tratamiento de comunicaciones bucosinusales y buconasales: Reporte de cinco casos de diferente etiología / Treatment of oroantral and oronasal communications: report of five cases with different etiology

Objetivo: Las comunicaciones bucosinusales y buco- nasales son condiciones patológicas que se caracterizan por la presencia de una solución de continuidad entre la cavidad bucal y el seno maxilar o la cavidad nasal respectivamente. Una vez que se ha instalado una comunicación es deseable ce- rrar este defecto, evitando así la infección del seno maxilar y posibles dificultades en la deglución, fonación y masticación. Se han propuesto diferentes tratamientos para su resolución, algunos no quirúrgicos y otros quirúrgicos. Los quirúrgicos pueden realizarse desplazando tejidos locales, regionales o injertando. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo presentar situaciones clínicas de comunicaciones bucosinusales y buco- nasales con diferentes etiologías y sus distintos tratamientos según tamaño y ubicación del defecto. Casos clínicos: Se identificaron pacientes que asistie- ron al Servicio de Cirugía Maxilofacial del Hospital Piñero presentando cuatro comunicaciones bucosinusales agudas y crónicas y una comunicación buconasal crónica. Los casos analizados fueron tratados de manera quirúrgica utilizando di- versos colgajos según tamaño y ubicación del defecto (AU)

Aim: Oroantral and oronasal communications are patho- logical conditions characterized by the presence of a solu- tion of continuity between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus or nasal cavity respectively. Once a communication has been installed, it is desirable to close this defect, thus avoid- ing infection of the maxillary sinus and possible difficulties in swallowing, phonation, and mastication. Different treatments have been proposed for its resolution, some non-surgical and others surgical. Surgical procedures can be performed by dis- placing local or regional tissue or by grafting. The aim of this case report is to present clinical situations of oral sinus and oral nasal communication with different etiologies and their different treatments according to the size and location of the defect. Clinical cases: A group of patients who attended the Maxillofacial Surgery Service of Piñero Hospital presenting four acute and chronic oral sinus and one oronasal communi- cations were identified. The analyzed cases were treated sur- gically using different flaps according to the size and location of the defect (AU)

Comparing CPAP masks during initial titration for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: one-year experience

Abstract Objective: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard treatment for OSA. A wide variety of masks are used during CPAP therapy. The aim of the study is to compare polysomnography outcomes during titration for different types of masks (oronasal, nasal and pillow) and assess the impact on PAP titration. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all CPAP titration polysomnography for one year. Anthropometric data and baseline apnea severity were documented. Results: A total of 497 patients were evaluated. Nasal masks were used in 82.3% (n = 409), pillow in 14.1% (n = 70) and oronasal in 3.6% (n = 18). There was no difference according to body mass index and baseline apnea-hypopnea index among the groups. The oronasal group was older and had higher titrated CPAP pressure, higher residual apnea-hypopnea index, lower sleep efficiency, more superficial N1 sleep and longer wake time after sleep onset. All other polysomnography outcomes were similar among the groups. The mean CPAP level was 11.6 ± 2.1 cm H2O for the oronasal mask, 10.1 ± 2.1 cm H2O for the nasal mask and 9.8 ± 2.2 cm H2O for the pillow. The residual apnea-hypopnea index was 10.4 ± 7.9 for the oronasal mask, 5.49 ± 5.34 events/h for the nasal mask and 4.98 ± 5.48 events/h for the pillow. The baseline apnea-hypopnea index was correlated with of a higher CPAP pressure for all the groups (p< 0.001 for the nasal group, p = 0.001 for the pillow group and p = 0.049 for the oronasal group). Body mass index and residual AHI were correlated with of a higher CPAP pressure for the nasal and pillow groups only (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The interface can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of PAP titration. Patients with oronasal masks have higher CPAP pressure, higher residual apnea-hypopnea index, lower sleep efficiency and higher wake time after sleep onset. Oronasal masks should not be recommended as the first choice for apnea patients. Level of evidence: Level 3.

Closure of Oronasal Fistulae Post Palatoraphy with Tongue Flap in Bilateral Complete Cleft Lip Palate Patient: A Case Report

ABSTRACT@#Oronasal fistulae are common complication following palatoraphy. There are several surgical procedures to repair oronasal fistulae. However, conventional oronasal fistulae closure technique is not always possible, especially when the surrounding tissue is replaced by fibrotic tissue due to previous palatoraphy. Tissue defects in oronasal fistulae should be replaced with tissues providing good vascularisation such as pedicle tongue flap. A case of pedicle tongue flap used to close oronasal fistulae was reported. Eleven-year-old girl, presented with oronasal fistulae and bilateral alveolar cleft after previous palatoraphy. The oronasal fistulae were closed with pedicled tongue flap. The healing was uneventful, and the division of the pedicle tongue flap was done three weeks later and closed primarily. There was no dehiscence of the wound and masticatory functions were recorded. Vascularised flap such as pedicle tongue flap is a preferred technique to close oronasal fistulae after palatoraphy.

Advances in classification and reconstruction of palatal fistula after cleft palate operation / 口腔疾病防治

@#Postoperative fistulae are one of the most significant complications of cleft palate repair. They usually has an adverse effect on patients’ oral hygiene, speech and even mental health. There has been a wide range of rates of fistula occurrence, from 0.8%-60%, with the classification and definition of fistulae differing from one author to the next. In this paper, the definition and classification of palatal fistulae and their reconstruction method are reviewed. At present, there is a lack of a consistent definition of palatal fistulae and a classification that can fully reflect the characteristics of palatal fistula. Adjacent flap is mainly used for repairing small fistulae with an adequate amount of surrounding tissue; anteriorly based dorsal tongue flaps are a safe and reliable method for large fistulae; free flap is beneficial for refractory and complicated palatal fistulae that are difficult to repair by the local and pedicle flap; and different synthetic materials are used in multilayer repair of fistulae; among them, composite polymer membrane is highly biocompatible, promoting cell attachment and proliferation in animal models, but its security in the human body needs further research.

Extensa lesión necrotizante de la línea media inducida por uso de cocaína

Resumen El diagnóstico diferencial de las lesiones destructivas de la línea media es amplio y complejo debido a su presentación clínica poco específica, pudiendo abarcar desde cuadros infecciosos, neoplásicos y patologías autoinmunes. Una entidad a considerar son las lesiones destructivas de la línea media inducidas por cocaína (CIMDL), la que se caracteriza por una extensa destrucción de estructuras a nivel medio-facial. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con antecedentes de consumo de cocaína con una gran lesión destructiva endonasal asociada a una perforación palatal, fiebre, cervicalgia y meningismo. Se realizó un estudio nasofibroscópico y exámenes de laboratorio donde destaca un leve aumento de parámetros inflamatorios y serología positiva para anticuerpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilo (ANCA). Los exámenes imagenológicos destacan una trombosis de carótida interna derecha, osteítis del clivus y paquimeningitis retroclival. Se decide ingresar a pabellón para realizar un aseo y tomar biopsias. Al descartar los diagnósticos diferenciales de CIMDL, el paciente inició terapia antibiótica y antifúngica endovenosa evolucionando en forma satisfactoria. La CIMDL es una condición infrecuente cuyo principal diagnóstico diferencial es la granulomatosis con poliangeitis. Dada similitud en las presentaciones clínicas y la gran diferencia en el manejo de ambas patologías la necesidad de un diagnóstico certero es fundamental.

Abstract Differential diagnosis of destructive midline injuries is complex due to its nonspecific clinical presentation, and the broad variety of conditions that share the same signs and symptoms, such as infections, neoplasms and autoimmune diseases. One of the etiologies that should be considered is cocaine-induced destructive midline lesions (CIMDL), cha- racterized by extensive destruction of midface structures. The following case describes a patient with history of cocaine abuse with a large destructive endonasal lesion asso- ciated with a palatal perforation, fever, cervicalgia and meningism. Clinical assessment included a nasofibroscopy and laboratory tests. Results revealed a slight increase in in- flammatory parameters and positive antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody serology. Ad- ditionally, imaging revealed a thrombosis of the right internal carotid, clivus osteitis, and retroclival pachymeningitis. Surgical debridement was performed, and biopsies of the nasal cavity were taken. Once the other possible diagnoses were ruled out, the patient was started on intravenous antibiotic and antifungal therapies. The patient showed a positive response to treatment and was successfully discharged after two months. CIMDL is a rare condition whose main differential diagnosis is granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Given the similarity in clinical presentations and the important differences in the management of both pathologies, the need for an accurate diagnosis is essential.

Assessment of velopharyngeal insufficiency and oronasal fistula after primary surgery of cleft palate

Background:Cleft palates are the most common congenital craniofacial anomalies in children, and their treatment is challenging in terms of outcomes. The objective of the study was to determine the incidence of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), and of the oronasal fistula after a veloplasty. Methods:By a retrospective study, over a period of 2 years, going from January 2017 to December 2018, carried out in the department of ENT and head and neck surgery of the August 20 hospital in Casablanca, Morocco. The inclusion criteria were all patients operated on for a cleft palate. The main results were the incidence of VPI, and of the oronasal fistula after a primary repair of the palate.Results:Out of a total of 21 cases, the average age was 4 years, and the sex ratio was 0.61, the average postoperative follow-up duration was 1 year and 9 months. VPI was found in 13 patients (62%), it was mild in 3 patients (14%), moderate in 6 patients (28%), and severe in 4 patients (19%), the frequency of VPI increased significantly with increasing age (p=0.05). The oronasal fistula was found in 5 (23.8%) patients, this fistula was more frequent when the patient benefited from the operation at an early age.Conclusions:Age is the most important factor in the management of cleftpalates

Colgajo lingual de base anterior para cierre de fistula palatina anterior / Retalho lingual de base anterior para fechamento de fístula palatina anterior / Closure of anterior palatal fistula by anterior base lingual flap

Introdução: Fístulas oro-nasais são as sequelas mais comuns após o reparo falho da fissura palatina primária, gerando problemas funcionais e emocionais para as pessoas que sofrem desta complicação. Fístulas grandes são difíceis de fechar e podem exigir retalhos de grande comprimento, largura e profundidade, sendo o retalho lingual de base anterior uma das opções de retalho mais bem sucedidas para fechamento devido às semelhanças com tecidos locais. e sua vascularização abundante, havendo taxas significativamente menores de recorrência da fístula após a cirurgia. Relato de caso: O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar o caso de um paciente previamente diagnosticado com fissura labiopalatina que tem história de seis procedimentos cirúrgicos malsucedidos que apresentaram resultados satisfatórios após a realização deste procedimento. Considerações finais: Ao longo dos anos, foi demonstrado que o retalho de língua é confiável e fácil de obter, devido à vascularização abundante e à grande quantidade de tecido que este órgão fornece para o reparo de fístulas maiores que 5 mm, formadas por complicações pós-cirurgia para fechamento de fenda palatina ou tentativas anteriores de fechamento de fístula com diferentes tipos de técnicas. A flexibilidade do retalho, juntamente com a técnica, a qualidade e a quantidade de tecido, tornam este procedimento de escolha para o fechamento das fístulas palatinas anteriores... (AU)

Introduction: Oro-nasal fistulas are the most common complication after the failed repair of the primary cleft palate, creating functional and emotional problems to people with this issue. Large fistulas are difficult to close and may require flaps with great length, width and depth, the anterior base lingual flap is one of the most successful options for fistula closure due to the similarities with local tissues, great vascularization and significantly lower fistula recurrence rates of the after surgery. Case Report: The objective of this article is to present the case of a patient previously diagnosed patient with cleft lip and palate with six previous unsuccessful surgical procedures on the palate, this patient presented satisfactory results after undergoing tongue flap surgery. Final Considerations: Over the years it has been shown that the lingual flap is reliable and easy to obtain, due to the abundant vascularization and large amount of tissue that this organ provides for the repair of fistulas larger than 5mm that are formed by complications post surgery either for cleft palate closure or previous attempts at fistula closure with different types of techniques. The flexibility of the flap, together with the technique, quality and quantity of tissue make this procedure of choice for the closure of anterior palatine fistulas... (AU)

Introduccioón: Las fístulas oro-nasales son las secuelas más comunes posteriores a la reparación fallida de paladar hendido primario, generando problemas funcionales y emocionales a las personas que padecen esta complicación. Las fístulas de gran tamaño son difíciles de cerrar y pueden requerir de tejido adyacente de gran longitud, ancho y profundidad para su cierre, siendo el colgajo lingual de base anterior una de las opciones más exitosas para cierre de la misma debido a sus similitudes con los tejidos locales y su abundante vascularización, existiendo tasas significativamente menores de recidiva de la fístula después de la cirugía. Descripción del Caso: El objetivo de este artículo es presentar el caso de un paciente previamente diagnosticado con labio y paladar hendido que presenta antecedente de seis intervenciones quirúrgicas en paladar sin éxito que presentó resultados satisfactorios tras someterse a este procedimiento. Consideraciones Finales: Con el paso de los años se ha demostrado que el colgajo lingual es confiable y fácil de obtener, debido a la abundante vascularización y gran cantidad de tejido que este órgano proporciona para la reparación de fístulas mayores a 5mm que se forman por complicaciones posteriores a cirugía ya sea para cierre de paladar hendido o intentos previos de cierre de fístula con diferentes tipos de técnicas. La flexibilidad del colgajo, junto con la técnica, calidad y cantidad de tejido hacen que este procedimiento sea de elección para el cierre de fistulas palatinas anteriores... (AU)

Airway management in pediatric tongue flap division for oronasal fistula closure: A case report

Oronasal fistulae (ONF) could remain after surgery in some patients with cleft palate. ONF ultimately requires intraoral surgery, which may lead to perioperative airway obstruction. Tongue flap surgery is a technique used to repair ONF. During the second surgery for performing tongue flap division, the flap transplanted from the tongue dorsum to the palate of the patient acts as an obstacle to airway management, which poses a great challenge for anesthesiologists. In particular, anesthesiologists may face difficulty in airway evaluation and patient cooperation during general anesthesia for tongue flap division surgery in pediatric patients. The authors report a case of airway management using a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope during general anesthesia for tongue flap division surgery in a 6-year-old child.

The use of facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) readvancement flap in closure of recurrent oronasal fistula

High failure rate for recurrent palatal fistulas closure pose agreat challenge to plastic surgeons. Tongue and facial arterymusculomucosal (FAMM) flaps are the more commonly usedflaps for closure of these recurrent fistulas. We report a caseof a formerly inset FAMM flap to effectively close apreviously repaired oronasal fistula.

Tratamiento de fistula palatina anterior mediante colgajo de lengua / Treatment of anterior palatal fistula through tongue flap

La fístula palatina anterior es la comunicación anormal entre la cavidad oral y la nariz que se presenta después del cierre quirúrgico de la fisura palatina, ésta ocurre con más frecuencia en defectos de paladar duro. El colgajo de lengua está indicado para la reconstrucción de grandes fístulas palatinas y con excesivas cicatrices palatinas luego de varios procedimientos insatisfactorios. El colgajo ofrece varias ventajas ya que presenta abundante tejido, excelente irrigación y es de fácil rotación. El resultado fue satisfactorio.

The anterior palatal fistula is the abnormal communication between the oral cavity and nose that occurs after surgical closure of cleft palate, this occurs more frequently in hard palate defects. Tongue flap is indicated for the reconstruction of large fistulas and excessive palatal scars after several unsatisfactory procedures. The flap offers several advantages since it presents abundant tissue, excellent irrigation and easy rotation. The result was satisfactory.

Endovascular embolization for the management of oronasal cavity hemorrhage / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in treating oronasal cavity hemorrhage,and to discuss the the occurrence and prevention of complications.Methods The clinical data of 121 patients with refractory and fatal oronasal cavity hemorrhage,who were admitted to authors' hospital during the period from December 2005 to October 2013 to receive treatment,were retrospectively analyzed.A total of 116 patients were treated with TAE,and these patients were followed up for 1-3 months to evaluate the embolization effect and the occurrence of procedure-related complications was analyzed.Results Of the 116 patients,complete control of bleeding after TAE was achieved in 96 (82.7％),rebleeding within one week after TAE was seen in 19 (16.4％) and the bleeding was controlled by medication,and in the remaining one (0.9％) re-bleeding occurred within one week after TAE and embolization therapy had to be carried out again.No obvious complications occurred in 77 patients (66.4％);maxillofacial pain and numbness,low fever,limitation of mouth opening and other mild complications were observed in 35 patients (30.1％);one patient (0.9％) developed facial skin necrosis and severe headache;and 3 patients (2.6％) showed stroke symptoms due to cerebral embolism.Conclusion For the treatment of refractory and fatal oronasal cavity hemorrhage,TAE can quickly and effectively achieve the purpose of hemostasis;careful selection of proper embolization material based on the the different causes of bleeding and the responsible blood vessels is the key to ensure a successful TAE.The common postoperative complications include postembolization syndrome,local ischemia,local necrosis caused by peripheral ischemia;the main serious complications are skin necrosis of maxillofacial region and cerebral infarction caused by ectopic embolization.

Colgajo lingual excelente alternativa para el cierre de Fístulas Oronasales: reporte de un caso

Reportamos el caso de una paciente femenina de 24 años, de la ciudad de Cajamarca referida a nosotros, a quien evaluamos, preparamos y operamos quirúrgicamente con un colgajo lingual largo de base anterior, irrigado por la arteria lingual en el servicio de cirugía plástica y quemados del Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza para lograr el cierre, en dos tiempos operatorios (día 0 y luego al día 22) de una gran fistula oronasal que provocaba rinofonía y reflujo nasal de los líquidos y alimentos; debido a la dehiscencia anterior de una palatoplastía realizada en su ciudad a la edad de 2 años en una campaña gratuita extranjera de labio y paladar fisurados

We report the case of a female patient of 24 years old from the city of Cajamarca referred to us, whom we evaluated, prepared and made a surgery with a tongue flap along the previous base, irrigated by the lingual artery in the Plastic Surgery and Burns Section at the Archbishop Loayza National Hospital to achieve the closing two stages (day 0 and then day 22 ) of a large oronasal fistula that caused rinofonía and nasal reflux of liquids and food; due to previous dehiscence Palatoplasty carried out in his city at the age of 2 years in a free foreign campaign of cleft lip and palate

Nasal myiasis presented with palatal perforation: a Case report

Myiasis is rare disease of nose. In this case report we present a 47 years female with nasal myiasis along with palatal perforation which was managed conservatively with antibiotics, manual removal of maggots and planned for closure of oro-nasal fistula later. Later on the bleeding was gradually controlled. Patient was advised for imaging of nose and paranasal sinuses. The imaging showed soft tissues densities in the bilateral nasal cavity with erosion of nasal septum, hard palate and soft palate with oronasal fistula formation.

Reconstrucción de fístula palatina anterior con colgajo lingual de base anterior. Reporte de un caso / Reconstruction of anterior palatal fistula with anterior-based lingual flap. Case report

Las fístulas oronasales son una de las secuelas más comunes consecutivas a la reparación quirúrgica del paladar hendido. El propósito de este reporte es presentar la experiencia con el uso de colgajos de lengua para el cierre de fístulas palatinas anteriores amplias (mayores de 1 cm) o con intentos quirúrgicos previos fallidos. El cierre de las fístulas palatinas anteriores mayores de 1 cm o con tratamientos previos sin éxito. Mediante colgajos de lengua es una de las opciones de tratamiento reportados en la literatura con un alto porcentaje de éxito. En este artículo presentamos un caso clínico de un paciente masculino de 23 años de edad con diagnóstico de secuelas labio y paladar hendido bilateral, que se presenta a la clínica de cirugía oral y maxilofacial de la división de estudios de postgrado e investigación, a la exploración intraoral presentaba una fístula palatina anterior de 2.5 cm de diámetro, con el antecedente de varios intentos quirúrgicos sin éxito, por lo que se decide realizar el cierre de la fístula palatina anterior con un colgajo de lengua de base anterior.

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 flaps for closure of wide (over 1 cm) anterior palatal fistulae, or in those cases when surgery had previously failed. Closure with tongue flaps of anterior palatal fistulae 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 fistula with an anterior based tongue flap.

Oral mucormycosis in an 18-month-old child: a rare case report with a literature review

Oral mucormycosis is a fungal infection observed mainly in elderly immunocompromised patients. In rare instances, the disease occurs in healthy individuals and those patients that are below preschool age. Although this condition mainly involves the maxilla, it may also manifest in any part of the oral cavity based on the source of infection. Mucormycosis of the maxilla spreads rapidly, leading to necrosis of the palatal bone and palatal perforation. Such patients are usually rehabilitated using bone grafting or free flap surgeries. However, when surgeries are delayed, palatal prosthesis is an interim treatment modality that can prevent nasal regurgitation and aspiration of food or fluids. Palatal prostheses also help with mastication, speech, and swallowing. The present case describes a rare case of oral mucormycosis in an 18-month-old male involving the maxilla that was managed by palatal prosthesis.

Palatoplastia em plano único e fístula oronasal / Single layer closure of hard palate cleft and oronasal fistula

INTRODUÇÃO: Tradicionalmente, a fissura palatina é corrigida em duas camadas - uma camada mucosa nasal e camada muco-periosteal oral. Este estudo avaliou os resultados do fechamento em camada única de fissura palatina comparado ao fechamento tradicional em camada dupla. MÉTODOS: Trata se de revisão de prontuários de 101 casos de correção de fissura palatina realizados entre 1981 e 2012 em uma clínica assistencial/hospital terciário localizado no centro de Wisconsin. Os casos utilizaram fechamento em camada única e foram acompanhados em Clínica de Lábio Leporino por 12 meses. Foram incluídas fissura labial e palatina também como fissura palatina isolada. RESULTADOS: Todos os casos apresentaram cicatrização satisfatória exceto dois casos que necessitaram de correção posterior de pequena fistula. CONCLUSÃO: O fechamento em camada única de fissura palatina é tão efetivo quanto o fechamento tradicional em camada dupla, além disso apresenta mínimas complicações.

INTRODUCTION: Traditionally, cleft of the hard palate is repaired in two layers, with a nasal mucosal layer and an oral mucoperiosteal layer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of one layer closure of hard palate cleft compared to the traditional two layers closure. METHODS: The charts of 101 consecutive cases of repair of hard palate cleft performed by the authors from 1981 to 2012 at a tertiary care clinic/hospital in central Wisconsin were reviewed. The cases utilized the single layer closure and were followed in the Cleft Palate Clinic on a yearly basis. Cases included unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate as well as isolated cleft palate. RESULTS: All cases healed satisfactorily except for two cases that later required small fistulae repair. CONCLUSION: Single layer closure of the hard palate cleft is as effective as traditional two-layer closure, with minimal complications.

Construction of an intraoral nasal stent for a patient with postatrophic rhinitis saddle nose deformity.

This case report discusses about a 50 years old female who had post atrophic rhinitis saddle nose deformity. The patient was first treated by a plastic surgeon who did “Inlay nasal grafting” and after that a temporary nasal stent was given which served mainly two purposes : 1) initially it maintained the graft in position and 2) secondly it prevented contracture of the graft. Also, a gumfit removable partial denture was given for replacing upper central incisors of the patient which greatly improved her esthetics.

Preservation of palatal mucoperiosteum for oronasal separation after total maxillectomy.

Background: Oronasal communication occurs after total maxillectomy for advanced sinonasal cancers. This results in feeding, breathing and cosmetic impairment. Various methods have been described to close off the palatal defect from the oral cavity to improve the function of speech and deglutition. Aims: The object of this article is to describe our experience of preservation of palatal mucoperiosteum for oronasal separation. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of clinical and operative records of 31 total maxillectomy patients where oronasal separation was achieved by the conventional technique of applying a maxillary obturator. The postoperative complications arising from the use of maxillary obturator for oronasal communication after total maxillectomy in these 31 patients were analysed. To avoid the complications encountered in these 31 patients we preserved and used the ipsilateral palatal mucoperiosteum for oronasal separation. This new technique was applied in 12 patients. The results are presented and compared. Results : A total of 43 patients underwent total maxillectomy for advanced sinonasal tumors. In 31 patients the conventional maxillary obturator was used for oronasal separation. Among these patients, 30 had crustation of the maxillary cavity, nasal regurgitation and cheek skin retraction in 15 each, trismus in eight, infection of skin graft donor site in seven, cheek movement during respiration in five and ill-fitting prosthesis in three. In 12 patients palatal mucoperiosteum was preserved and used for oronasal separation. The complications encountered in oronasal separation by palatal prosthesis were avoided in the modified procedure. Conclusions: We found that oronasal separation by preservation of palatal mucoperiosteum following total maxillectomy allowed excellent palatal function, prompt rehabilitation and minimal complications without compromising the prognosis.

Candida albicans in patients with oronasal communication and obturator prostheses

Patients using obturator prostheses often present denture-induced stomatitis. In order to detect the presence of oral Candida albicans in patients with oronasal communications and to evaluate the effectiveness of a topical antifungal treatment, cytological smears obtained from the buccal and palatal mucosa of 10 adult patients, and from the nasal acrylic surface of their obturator prostheses were examined. A therapeutic protocol comprising the use of oral nystatin (Mycostatin®) and prosthesis disinfection with sodium hypochlorite was prescribed for all patients. Seven patients were positive for C. albicans in the mucosa, with 1 negative result for the prosthetic surface in this group of patients. Post-treatment evaluation revealed the absence of C. albicans on prosthesis surface and on the oral mucosa of all patients. The severity of the candidal infection was significantly higher in the palatal mucosa than in the buccal mucosa, but similar in the palatal mucosa and prosthesis surface, indicating that the mucosa underlying the prosthesis is more susceptible to infection. The therapeutic protocol was effective in all cases, which emphasizes the need for denture disinfection in order to avoid reinfection of the mucosa.

Os pacientes portadores de prótese obturadora freqüentemente apresentam estomatite protética. Com o objetivo de detectar a presença de Candida albicans oral em pacientes com comunicação oronasal e avaliar a eficácia de um tratamento tópico antifúngico foi realizada citologia esfoliativa da mucosa palatina e jugal e da superfície acrílica nasal da prótese obturadora. O protocolo terapêutico consistiu de nistatina (Mycostatin®) para tratamento da mucosa oral e uma solução de hipoclorito de sódio para desinfecção da prótese. Sete pacientes (70 por cento) apresentaram resultado positivo para C. albicans na mucosa, com um resultado negativo para a superfície protética neste grupo. A avaliação após o tratamento revelou ausência de C. albicans na mucosa oral de todos os pacientes, bem como na superfície protética. A infecção por C. albicans das mucosas jugal e palatina diferiram significantemente, enquanto que a mucosa palatina e a superfície protética apresentaram valores semelhantes. O grau de infecção da mucosa palatina foi significantemente maior quando comparado àquele da mucosa jugal e semelhante ao apresentado pela prótese, sugerindo que a mucosa subjacente à prótese é mais susceptível à infecção. O protocolo terapêutico foi efetivo em todos os casos, o que enfatiza a necessidade da desinfecção protética para se evitar a reinfecção da mucosa oral.

Alveolar cleft graft