Single layer closure of hard palate cleft and oronasal fistula

ABSTRACT

Background:

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.

Keywords:
Cleft palate; Craniofacial; Hard palate repair; Oronasal fistula