Tongue flap combined with local mucosal flap for repairing palate fistulae / 中华医学美学美容杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To introduce a modified surgical technique for repairing palate fistulae.Methods Based on the clinical categories of palate fistulae,local mucosal flap was designed,if possible,to reduce the area of the fistulae and reshape the fistulae.Then the thin tongue flap with anterior pedicle was designed for repairing the palate fistulae,without much limitation of tongue movement and excessive tension of tongue flap pedicle short lingual frenulum correction was performed firstly to release the motion of tongue,if necessary.The donor site was closed directly.Three weeks later division of the tongue flap,as well as detailed appearance correction of tongue,was carried out at the same time.Results 12 cases were treated,and followed up for 6-12 months.For all the cases,the defect of fistulae was totally repaired,while aesthetics appearance of tongue was satisfactory,and no interference with speech with the use of tongue as donor site.Oral hygiene and mastication were unimpaired.No patient described disability of sensory or gustatory postoperatively.Conclusions Tongue flap has sufficient blood supply,while impairment of donor site is minimal.The planning and procedure of surgery are relatively simple.It is an ideal flap in treatment of palate fistulae.