ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Recurrent palatal fistula is a common complication of cleft palate repair. The main causes are poor surgical technique or vascular accidents and infection. Local flaps are not adequate for larger and recurrent fistula. The aim of this study is to analyze the utility of tongue flap in recurrent and large palatal fistula repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2008 to July 2016, 18 patients with recurrent palatal fistula were included in the study. All the patients had undergone repair of cleft palate and fistula previously. Tongue flap repair of the recurrent palatal fistula was performed in all 18 patients. The flaps were divided after 3 weeks and final inset was done. Flap viability, fistula closure, residual tongue function, esthetics, and speech impediment were assessed. RESULTS: In all the patients, fistula could be closed primarily by tongue flap. None of the patients developed flap necrosis while flap dehiscence and bleeding were observed in one patient each. No functional deformity of the tongue and donor-site morbidity was seen. Speech was improved in 80% cases. CONCLUSION: The central position, mobility, excellent vascularity, and versatility of tongue flap make particularly suitable choice for the repair of large fistula in palates scarred by previous surgery. It is very well tolerated by children. We, therefore, recommend tongue flap for large and recurrent palatal fistula in children.
Subject(s)
Cleft Palate/surgery , Fistula/surgery , Mouth Diseases/surgery , Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods , Postoperative Complications/surgery , Surgical Flaps , Tongue/transplantation , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Fistula/etiology , Humans , Male , Mouth Diseases/etiology , Oral Surgical Procedures/adverse effects , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Recurrence , ReoperationABSTRACT
Intussusception is a very rare cause of intestinal obstruction in neonates. It is of extremely rare occurrence among premature neonates. We present a case of 11-day-old premature neonate who presented with abdominal distension, intolerance to feeds, vomiting, significant bilious aspirate and bleeding per rectum. The initial diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) led to a delay in the diagnosis. On exploratory laparotomy, it turned out to be a case of ileo-colic intussusception with Meckel's diverticulum as a lead point. This site of intussusception (ileo-colic) and presence of a lead point among premature neonate is of exceedingly rare occurrence and very few such cases have been reported. In this article, the published work about clinical features and management on intussusceptions in premature neonates has been reviewed. The authors intend to highlight the difficulty in distinguishing the NEC and intussusception. Subtle clinical and radiological features which can help in differentiating the two conditions have been emphasized. This can avoid the delay in diagnosis and management which can prove critical. High index of suspicion with timely intervention is the key for optimizing outcome. A diagnosis of intussusception should always be considered in any preterm infant with suspected NEC.
Subject(s)
Diagnostic Errors , Ileal Diseases/diagnosis , Infant, Premature, Diseases/diagnosis , Infant, Premature , Intestinal Obstruction/etiology , Intussusception/diagnosis , Humans , Ileal Diseases/complications , Ileal Diseases/surgery , Infant, Newborn , Infant, Premature, Diseases/surgery , Intestinal Obstruction/diagnosis , Intestinal Obstruction/surgery , Intussusception/complications , Intussusception/surgery , Laparotomy , MaleABSTRACT
The transport of sick neonates to the surgical centers or transportation within the center is an essential requirement of neonatal surgery. Neonatal transport incubators are costly, space occupying, and are not available at many places in the developing countries. We report here a cheap yet effective and easy to make, alternate neonatal carrier device.
ABSTRACT
Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) is a characteristic syndrome in which the mullerian structures are absent or rudimentary. It is also associated with anomalies of the genitourinary and skeletal systems. There are very few cases reported regarding its association with anorectal malformations, particularly perineal fistulas. To the best of our knowledge, there have not been any reported cases of anal canal stenosis in patients with MRKH. We describe a very rare association of MRKH with anal canal stenosis and multiple renal calculi. The patient underwent corrective surgery for the anomalies and removal of renal calculi. She has been under regular follow-up for the last few months and is doing well.
