Recurrent palatal fistula and nasal regurgitation; anteriorly based dorsal tongue flap: a reliable solution

ABSTRACT

Background: Post Palatoplasty fistulas are the common complications seen after cleft palate repair. This produce various symptoms including regurgitation of fluids into nasal cavity, interference with normal speech and middle ear problems. Although small fistulas can be successfully treated with local flaps such as palatal or buccal mucosal flaps, large fistulas are difficult to treat. Because of rich blood supply, tongue is a suitable and convenient source of large flap. The anteriorly based dorsal tongue flap is a safe and effective method for closure of relatively large recurrent palatal fistula without any functional impairment of donor site