Oronasal Fistula Closure and Defect Reconstruction: Two Case Reports Using Periodontal Plastic Surgery Principles.

OBJECTIVES: Oronasal fistulas are common sequelae following cleft lip and palate surgery and can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. They result from various factors, including surgical techniques, tissue management, and patient-specific factors. This case report explores the modern approach to oronasal fistula closure using periodontal plastic surgery principles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The report presents two cases of patients with oronasal fistulas due to previous maxillofacial surgical intervention. These patients underwent microsurgical procedures that involved partial flap thickness preparation of the fistula areas, the use of connective tissue grafts from the palate, and meticulous suturing techniques to ensure graft integrity. The procedures were performed in stages, and postoperative care was provided. RESULTS: Both cases demonstrated successful fistula closure and graft survival. The patients reported improvements in breathing, speech, aesthetics, and quality of life. The second case also included guided bone regeneration and implant placement. CONCLUSIONS: Oronasal fistulas resulting from maxillofacial surgery can be effectively treated using periodontal plastic surgery techniques, significantly improving patients' quality of life and aesthetic outcomes. This approach represents a valuable addition to the existing repertoire of oronasal fistula closure methods.

Evaluation of postoperative outcomes in palatoplasty with three soft palate cleft repairs.

The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative clinical and functional outcomes of palatoplasty with three soft palate cleft repairs and analyse the factors potentially impacting these outcomes. A retrospective analysis was conducted on a consecutive series of 337 patients who underwent primary cleft palate repair by palatoplasty modified with either Furlow Z-plasty (P-FZP, n = 77), intravelar veloplasty (P-IVV, n = 110), or combined intravelar veloplasty-Furlow Z-plasty (P-IVV-FZP, n = 150). The postoperative outcomes evaluated included wound healing (complete closure/fistula) and velopharyngeal function. Demographic and surgical data were analysed using both univariate and multivariate analysis. There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to the sex distribution, age at repair, cleft width, cleft type, or follow-up duration. However, relaxing incisions were significantly more common with P-FZP (26.0%) and P-IVV (29.1%) compared to P-IVV-FZP (10%) (P = 0.002 and <0.001, respectively). The complete wound closure rate was significantly higher with P-IVV-FZP (97.3%) compared to P-FZP (88.3%) (P = 0.012) and P-IVV (90%) (P = 0.015). The normal velopharyngeal function rate was comparable for P-IVV-FZP (86.7%) and P-FZP (83.1%), and both rates were significantly better than the rate with P-IVV (73.6%) (P = 0.039 and 0.029, respectively). The cleft type and width were identified as factors influencing postoperative outcomes. In conclusion, it may be appropriate to prioritize the palatoplasty with combined intravelar veloplasty-Furlow Z-plasty whenever feasible.

Oronasal fistula reconstruction using tongue flap with simultaneous iliac bone graft: a case report.

The ultimate goal of cleft palate repair is to achieve an intact palate with the separation of the oral and nasal cavities. However, some patients develop an oronasal fistula in the secondary palate after palatoplasty. Postoperatively, a secondary palatal oronasal fistula may develop, leading to functional problems. In this study, we describe a patient with recurrent oronasal fistula and alveolar cleft with multiple failed previous reconstructions at another clinic. The oronasal fistula and alveolar cleft were repaired using a tongue flap and an iliac bone graft, respectively. The patient demonstrated excellent clinical progress with no recurrence of the oronasal fistula at the 1-year follow-up.

Fat grafting in patients with cleft lip and palate: A systematic review.

This systematic review aims to compare different fat-grafting techniques for cleft lip and palate repair. A search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, gray literature and reference lists of selected articles. A total of 25 articles were included, 12 on closure of palatal fistula and 13 on cleft lip repair. The rate of complete resolution of palatal fistula ranged from 88.6% to 100% in studies with no control group, whereas in comparative studies patients receiving a fat graft showed better outcomes than those not receiving a graft. Evidence suggests that fat grafting can be indicated for the primary and secondary repair of cleft palate, with good results. The use of dermis-fat grafts in lip repair was associated with gains in surface area (11.5%), vertical height (18.5%-27.11%), and lip projection (20%). Fat infiltration was associated with increased lip volume (6.5%), vermilion show (31.68% ± 24.03%), and lip projection (46.71% ± 31.3%). The available literature suggests that fat grafting is a promising autogenous option for palate and fistula repair and for improvement of lip projection and scar aesthetics in patients with cleft. However, to develop a guideline, further studies are needed to confirm whether one technique is superior to the other.

Application of data mining to extract knowledge about the occurrence of fistulas after palatoplasty / Aplicação de mineração de dados para extração de conhecimento sobre ocorrência de fístulas após palatoplastia

Introduction: Data mining techniques expand access to important information for the decision-making process during health care. The objective the study proposes using data mining techniques to identify variables (surgical treatment protocols, patient characteristics, post-surgical complications) associated with fistulas after primary palatoplasty in patients with unilateral transforamen incisor cleft (UTIC). Method: A data set of 222 patients with UTIC without syndromes, operated by four surgeons with Furlow's or von Langenbeck's primary palatoplasty techniques, was analyzed for this study. Two models for detecting the outcome of surgery were induced using data mining techniques (Decision Tree and Apriori). Results: Five rules were selected from a decision tree pointing to some variables as predictors of fistulas associated with primary palatoplasty: infection, cough, hypernasality, and surgeon. Analysis of the model indicates that it correctly classifies 95.9% of occurrences between the absence and presence of fistulas. The second model indicates that the absence of post-surgical complications (infection and fever) and normal speech results (absent hypernasality, without suggestive of velopharyngeal dysfunction) are related to the absence of fistulas. Regarding surgical procedures, the Furlow technique and the Vomer flap were more frequent in patients with fistulas. Conclusion: Data mining techniques, as applied in the present study, pointed to infection and cough, hypernasality, and surgeon and surgical techniques as predictors of fistulas related to primary palatoplasty.

Introdução: As técnicas de mineração de dados ampliam o acesso a informações importantes para o processo de tomada de decisão durante os cuidados com a saúde. O objetivo do estudo propõe a utilização de técnicas de mineração de dados para identificar variáveis (protocolos de tratamento cirúrgico, características do paciente, intercorrências pós-cirúrgicas) associadas à ocorrência de fístulas após palatoplastia primária em pacientes com fissura transforame incisivo unilateral (FTIU). Método: Um conjunto de dados de 222 pacientes com FTIU sem síndromes, operados por quatro cirurgiões com as técnicas de palatoplastia primária de Furlow ou von Langenbeck, foi analisado para este estudo. Dois modelos para detecção do resultado da cirurgia foram induzidos usando técnicas de mineração de dados (Árvore de Decisão e Apriori). Resultados: Cinco regras foram selecionadas de uma árvore de decisão apontando para algumas variáveis como preditivas de fístulas associadas à palatoplastia primária: infecção, tosse, hipernasalidade, cirurgião. A análise do modelo indica que ele classifica corretamente 95,9% das ocorrências entre ausência e presença de fístulas. O segundo modelo indica que a ausência de intercorrências pós-cirúrgicas (infecção e febre) e resultado de fala normal (hipernasalidade ausente, sem sugestivo de disfunção velofaríngea) estão relacionados à ausência de fístulas. Em relação aos procedimentos cirúrgicos, o uso da técnica de Furlow e retalho de Vomer foram mais frequentes nos pacientes com fístulas. Conclusão: Técnicas de mineração de dados, conforme aplicadas no presente estudo, apontaram para infecção e tosse, presença de hipernasalidade, cirurgião e técnica cirúrgica como preditores de fístulas relacionadas à palatoplastia primária.

Incidence of fistula after primary cleft palate repair: a 25-year assessment of one surgeon's experience.

BACKGROUND: Cleft lip and cleft palate are the most frequent congenital craniofacial deformities, with an incidence of approximately 1 per 700 people. Postoperative palatal fistula is one of the most significant long-term complications. This study investigated the incidence of postoperative palatal fistula and its predictive factors based on 25 years of experience at our hospital. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 636 consecutive palatal repairs performed between January 1996 and October 2020 by a single surgeon. Data from patients' medical records regarding cleft palate repair were analyzed. The preoperative extent of the cleft was evaluated using the Veau classification system, and the cleft palate repair technique was chosen according to the extent of the cleft. SPSS version 25.0 was used for all statistical analyses, and exploratory univariate associations were investigated using the t-test. RESULTS: Fistulas occurred in 20 of the 636 patients; thus, the incidence of palatal fistula was 3.1%. The most common fistula location was the hard palate (9/20, 45%), followed by the junction of the hard and soft palate (6/20, 30%) and the soft palate (5/20, 25%). The cleft palate repair technique significantly predicted the incidence of palatal fistula following cleft palate repair (P=0.042). Fistula incidence was significantly higher in patients who underwent surgery using the Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty technique (12.1%) than in cases where the Busan modification (3.0%) or two-flap technique (2.0%) was used. CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence of palatal fistulas was 3.1% in this study. Moreover, the technique of cleft palate repair predicted fistula incidence.

Effect of antibiotic pack on hard palate after fistula closure on nasal airflow and reoccurrence rate.

This parallel blocked randomized controlled trial was done in two groups of 30 patients each to determine if placement of an antibiotic oral pack on the hard palate after hard palatal fistula repair reduces nasal air emission and fistula re-occurrence. Group A had an oral pack on the hard palate for 5 days post-operatively while group B did not. In group A, percentage of nasal air emission was tested using nasometry with and without pack. Paired t-tests were performed to compare nasal emissions for patients with and without pack. Recurrence of fistulas after 6 months between group A and B was tested using odds ratio. Effect of nasal air emission on fistula rates was tested using paired t-tests. There was a significant increase (p < 0.0001) in nasal emission after removal of the pack in group A. Fistula re-occurrence tended to be higher in group B (no pack) than group A but this was not significant (p = 0.242). There was no correlation between nasal air emission and fistula rates. In patients with recurrent fistulae, placement of an oral pack after fistula repair diminishes nasal air emission. Whether this has an impact on re-occurrence of fistulae needs to be investigated further.

Use of a buccinator myomucosal flap and bilateral pedicled buccal fat pad transfer in wide palatal fistula repair: a case report.

Primary palatoplasty for cleft palate places patients at high risk for scarring, altered vascularity, and persistent tension. Palatal fistulas are a challenging complication of primary palatoplasty that typically form around the hard palate-soft palate junction. Repairing palatal fistulas, particularly wide fistulas, is extremely difficult because there are not many choices for closure. However, a few techniques are commonly used to close the remaining fistula after primary palatoplasty. Herein, we report the revision of a palatal fistula using a pedicled buccal fat pad and palatal lengthening with a buccinator myomucosal flap and sphincter pharyngoplasty to treat a patient with a wide palatal fistula. Tension-free closure of the palatal fistula was achieved, as well as velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) correction. This surgical method enhanced healing, minimized palatal contracture and shortening, and reduced the risk of infection. The palate healed with mucosalization at 2 weeks, and no complications were noted after 4 years of follow-up. Therefore, these flaps should be considered as an option for closure of large oronasal fistulas and VPI correction in young patients with wide palatal defects and VPI.

Sistema de classificação Brosco-Dutka para fístulas de palato / Brosco-Dutka classification system for palate fistulas

Introdução: A ocorrência de fístula oronasal (FON) póspalatoplastia é uma complicação indesejável, desafiadora e de difícil classificação. O objetivo é apresentar um protocolo de classificação de fístula de palato baseado em critérios morfológicos, embriológicos e sintomatologia da fístula. Métodos: A elaboração da classificação envolveu as seguintes etapas: definição de FON; definição de referências anatômicas; estabelecimento de critérios embriológicos e morfológicos; inclusão da sintomatologia. Discussão: O protocolo estabelecido inclui estratégias para a identificação de referências anatômicas de complexa visualização como forame incisivo (FI) e a área de transição entre o palato duro e mole. Do ponto de vista da embriologia, a fístula pode ser classificada como PREFI (localizada em região anterior ao FI), POSFI (localizada em região posterior ao FI) e PREPO (que acomete tanto a região anterior quanto posterior ao FI). O critério morfológico estabelece como áreas: região-1: pré-alveolar e/ou do arco alveolar; região-2: palato duro anterior ao FI; região-3: palato duro posterior ao FI; região-4: transição entre palato duro e mole; e região-5: palato mole. A identificação de sintomas inclui: hipernasalidade, otites e refluxo nasal, além das fístulas assintomáticas. A obtenção de fotografias intraorais adequadas facilita a aplicabilidade do protocolo, sendo que o posicionamento para imagem fotográfica requer a visualização da face palatina dos dentes incisivos superiores. Conclusão: O protocolo Brosco-Dutka de classificação de fístula de palato, foi elaborado para uso pela equipe craniofacial em consulta presencial ou durante análise de imagens fotográficas. A proposta apresenta ilustrações para nortear o uso adequado dos critérios.

Introduction: The occurrence of post-palatoplasty oronasal fistula (ONF) is undesirable, challenging and difficult to classify complications. The objective is to present a classification protocol for palate fistula based on the fistula's morphological, embryological criteria and symptomatology. Methods: The elaboration of the classification involved the following steps: definition of ONF; definition of anatomical references; establishment of embryological and morphological criteria; inclusion of symptomatology. Discussion: The established protocol includes strategies for identifying anatomical references of complex visualization such as foramen (FI) and the transition area between the hard and soft palate. From the point of view of embryology, the fistula can be classified as PREFI (located in the region before the FI), POSFI (located in the region after the FI) and PREPO (which affects both the region before and after the FI). The morphological criterion establishes as areas: region-1: prealveolar and/or the alveolar arch; region-2: hard palate before FI; region-3: hard palate after FI; region-4: transition between hard and soft palate; and region-5: soft palate. Symptom identification includes hypernasality, ear infections and nasal reflux, in addition to asymptomatic fistulas. Obtaining adequate intraoral photographs facilitates the protocol's applicability, and the positioning for the photographic image requires the visualization of the palatal face of the upper incisor teeth. Conclusion: The Brosco-Dutka protocol for the classification of palate fistula was developed for use by the craniofacial team during a face-to-face consultation or photographic image analysis. The proposal presents illustrations to guide the proper use of the criteria.

Use of the temporal extension of the buccal fat pad for closure of oro-antral communications.

Oro-antral communications/fistulae (OAC/OAF) can cause significant patient morbidity, with treatment for defects greater than 5mm in size requiring surgical reconstruction. This technical note evaluates the effectiveness, and proposes the use of, the temporal extension of the buccal fat pad (TEBFP) for the closure of large OAC. The TEBFP can be an effective means of large OAC closure due to its ease of harvesting, with minimal damage to surrounding structures or aesthetic changes. The use of the TEBFP provides stability, versatility, and tension-free closure, with minimal postoperative complications.

Determinación de factores relacionados al desarrollo de fístulas palatinas posterior a una palatoplastia primaria / Determination of factors related to the development of palatal fistula after a primary palatoplasty

INTRODUCCION. La fistula palatina es la persistencia de comunicación anormal entre la cavidad nasal y oral post palatoplastia, es la complicación frecuente con: alta morbilidad, problemas para la alimentación, articulación de las palabras inapropiada, halitosis hasta problemas psicosociales como baja autoestima y rechazo social. OBJETIVO. Determinar los factores asociados al desarrollo de fístula palatina. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio observacional, analítico de casos y controles. De una población de 334 Historias Clínicas se tomó muestra de 89 en la Unidad de Plástica y Reconstructiva del Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín de enero 2010 a julio 2019. Criterios de inclusión: datos de pacientes con paladar fisurado reparado por palatoplastia. Criterios de Exclusión: pacientes sin buen seguimiento postquirúrgico y con paladar hendido sin reparación quirúrgica. Los datos fueron obtenidos del sistema AS400, el análisis se realizó mediante el programa estadístico International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. RESULTADOS. El uso de ortopedia prequirúrgica (OR: 0,014; p<0,000) y la alimentación con leche materna (OR: 0,033; p<0,003) fueron factores protectores. DISCUSIÓN. La ortopedia prequirúrgica fue la mejor opción de moldeamiento en pacientes con hendiduras amplias para la aproximación de los segmentos óseos hendidos, como factor protector significativo se encontró a la lactancia materna exclusiva dato que coincide con el estudio de López YD., donde mencionó que produjo mayor estimulación para la fusión de las crestas palatinas a pesar de que no fue estadísticamente significativa. CONCLUSION. Los factores asociados al desarrollo de fístula palatina estadísticamente significativos fueron el uso de ortopedia prequirúrgica y la alimentación con leche materna, catalogados como protectores.

INTRODUCTION. Palatal fistula is the persistence of abnormal communication between the nasal and oral cavity post palatoplasty, it ́s the frequent complication with: high morbidity, feeding problems, inappropriate articulation of words, halitosis and psychosocial problems such as low self-esteem and social rejection. OBJECTIVE. Determine the factors associated with the development of palatal fistula. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Observational, analytical case-control study. From a population of 334 Clinical Histories, a sample of 89 was taken in the Plastic and Reconstructive Unit of the Carlos Andrade Marín Specialty Hospital from january 2010 to july 2019. Inclusion criteria: data from patients with cleft palate repaired by palatoplasty. Exclusion Criteria: patients without good postsurgical follow-up and with a cleft palate without surgical repair. The data were obtained from the AS400 system, the analysis was performed using the International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistical program. RESULTS. The use of presurgical orthopedics (OR: 0,014; p<0,000) and feeding with breast milk (OR: 0,033; p<0,003) were protective factors. DISCUSSION. Presurgical orthopedics was the best molding option in patients with wide clefts for the approximation of the cleft bone segments, as a significant protective factor, exclusive breastfeeding was found, data that coincides with the study by López YD., where he mentioned that it produced greater stimulation for palatine ridge fusion although it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION. Statistically significant factors associated with the development of palatal fistula were the use of pre-surgical orthopedics and feeding with breast milk, classified as protective.

Techniques and results of palate fistula repair following palatoplasty: a 234-case multicenter study. / Técnicas y resultados de reparación de fístulas palatinas pospalatoplastia: estudio multicéntrico de 234 casos.

INTRODUCTION: Palate fistula is the most frequent complication following palatoplasty. The objectives of this study were: to describe the most widely used repair techniques; to study results and recurrence rate; to analyze potentially predictive recurrence variables; and to assess whether a specific technique is superior according to fistula size and location. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients undergoing palate fistula repair in 7 healthcare facilities from 2008 to 2018. All facilities had at least 20 new cases of cleft lift and palate annually (range: 20-80), with a fistula incidence of 14% (range: 1.5-20%). Minimum follow-up was 1 year. 8 variables were collected for statistical analysis purposes. RESULTS: 234 fistula patients underwent surgery. Most fistulas occurred in complete bilateral cleft lift and palate (Veau type IV). The most frequent location was the hard palate (Pittsburgh types IV and V (63.2%)), and fistulas were mostly large (42.1%) and medium (39.5%). The most frequent repair technique was re-palatoplasty (34.2%). Recurrence rate was 22%. The multivariate analysis demonstrated more recurrences in re-palatoplasty repaired type III fistulas in patients over 3 years old. CONCLUSION: A tendency towards using flap repair in large hard palate fistulas, re-palatoplasty in medium hard palate and soft and hard palate junction fistulas, and local flaps or re-palatoplasty in small fistulas at any location was observed. However, it could not be statistically demonstrated whether a specific repair technique was superior in different clinical situations.

INTRODUCCION: La fístula palatina es la complicación más frecuente tras una palatoplastia. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron: describir las técnicas de reparación más frecuentemente empleadas; estudiar los resultados y la tasa de recidiva; analizar posibles variables predictivas de recidiva y valorar la posible superioridad de una determinada técnica según el tamaño y la localización de la fístula. MATERIAL Y METODO: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes operados de fístulas palatinas desde 2008 hasta 2018 en 7 centros. Todos operaban al menos 20 casos nuevos de fisuras labiopalatinas al año (rango 20-80) con una incidencia de fístulas de 14% (rango: 1,5-20%). El seguimiento mínimo fue de 1 año. Se recogieron 8 variables para el análisis estadístico. RESULTADOS: Se operaron 234 pacientes con fístulas. La mayoría ocurrieron en fisuras labiopalatinas bilateral completa (tipo IV de Veau). La localización más frecuente fue el paladar duro (tipos IV y V de Pittsburgh (63,2%) y la mayoría fueron grandes (42,1%) y medianas (39,5%). La técnica de reparación más frecuente fue la repalatoplastia (34,2%). La tasa de recidiva fue del 22%. El análisis multivariante mostró más recidivas en fístulas tipo III reparadas con repalatoplastia, en mayores de 3 años. CONCLUSION: Se observó una tendencia a utilizar más reparación con colgajo en fístulas grandes del paladar duro, repalatoplastia en fístulas medianas de paladar duro y de la unión, y colgajos locales o repalatoplastia en fístulas pequeñas en cualquier localización, pero no se pudo demostrar estadísticamente la superioridad de una técnica reparadora concreta en diferentes situaciones clínicas.

Fístula após palatoplastia primária: consenso entre profissionais da cirurgia plástica e da fonoaudiologia / Fistula after primary palatoplasty: consensus among plastic surgery and Speech-Language Pathology

Introdução: A identificação de complicações da palatoplastia primária pode variar entre profissionais de diferentes áreas da saúde, devido à falta de padronização da classificação de fístula. Este estudo teve o objetivo de verificar o consenso entre profissionais da cirurgia plástica (CP) e da fonoaudiologia (FGA), quanto à ocorrência de fístula, conforme reportado em um mesmo serviço craniofacial. Métodos: Foi realizada uma análise dos registros das áreas da CP e FGA quanto à presença e localização de fístulas, conforme reportado em 466 prontuários de pacientes com história de fissura transforame incisivo unilateral. Para comparar os achados entre ambas as áreas uma verificação padrão ouro da ocorrência de fístula (POF) foi estabelecida por um cirurgião plástico experiente. Resultados: A área da CP reportou que 25% dos 466 pacientes apresentaram fístula comparado à 37% reportado pela FGA, enquanto o POF indicou fístula em 35% dos casos. Estatística Kappa revela concordância regular entre POF e CP (r=0,32) e concordância substancial entre POF e FGA (r=0,63). Conclusão: Observou-se discordância entre as áreas da fonoaudiologia e da cirurgia plástica quanto à ocorrência e localização da fístula após a palatoplastia primária, em um mesmo centro craniofacial. Os dados apontam para a necessidade da criação e da implementação de um sistema de classificação de fístula padronizado, que possa ser utilizado de forma efetiva por equipes craniofaciais favorecendo evidências científicas dos resultados do tratamento da fissura labiopalatina.

Introduction: The identification of complications of primary palatoplasty may vary among professionals from different areas of health due to the lack of standardization of the fistula classification. This study aimed to verify the consensus among professionals of plastic surgery (PC) and Speech-Language Pathology (SLP), regarding the occurrence of fistula, according to what was reported in the same craniofacial service. Methods: Analysis of the chart's records of the areas of the PC and SLP of 466 patients with cleft lip and palate was performed about the presence and location of fistula about the presence and location of fistulas, as reported in 466 medical records of patients with a history of unilateral cleft lip and palate. To compare the findings between both areas, a gold standard classification for the occurrence of fistula (GSF) was established by an experienced plastic surgeon. Results: The PC area reported that 25% of the 466 patients had a fistula compared to the 37% reported by the SLP, while the GSF indicated fistula in 35% of the cases. The Kappa statistic reveals regular agreement between GSF and PC (r = 0.32) and substantial agreement between GSF and SLP (r = 0.63). Conclusion: There was a discrepancy between the areas of Speech-Language Pathology and plastic surgery regarding the occurrence and location of the fistula after primary palatoplasty in the same craniofacial center. The data indicates the need to create and implement a standardized fistula classification system. In this way, craniofacial teams can use it effectively, taking advantage of the scientific evidence that emerges from the results of cleft lip and palate treatment.

Palatoplastia primária pela técnica de Von Langenbeck: experiência e resultados morfológicos obtidos em 278 casos operados / Primary palatoplasty using the von Langenbeck technique: surgical experience and aesthetic results of 278 cases

Introdução: A palatoplastia com elevação de retalhos mucoperiostais bipediculados pela técnica de Von Langenbeck associada a veloplastia intravelar é técnica mais utilizadas na atualidade apresentando na literatura baixa taxa de fístula oronasal e de insuficiência velofaríngea. O objetivo é apresentar a experiência acumulada do autor e avaliar a incidência de fístula oronasal após 278 casos de palatoplastia primária, pela técnica de Von Langenbeck associada a veloplastia intravelar. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de 278 prontuários de pacientes submetidos à palatoplastia primária no Centro de Tratamento de Malformações Craniofaciais Mário Covas - Hospital Guilherme Álvaro - Santos/SP, entre de maio de 2010 a maio de 2018. Resultados: 278 procedimentos de palatoplastia primária pela técnica relatada, 225 (80,9%) em duas etapas cirúrgicas e 53 (19,1%) em única etapa. Masculino 182 (65,5%) e feminino 96 (34,5%). Fissuras labiopalatais esquerda e bilaterais (26,3% e 27%, respetivamente). As fissuras palatais completas corresponderam a 37,4% e a fissura labiopalatal direita com 7,6%. 61 pacientes apresentaram fístula oronasal (21,94%) observando-se uma diminuição progressiva da incidência em cada período. Conclusão: A palatoplastia primária pela técnica de Von Langenbeck associada à veloplastia intravelar é uma técnica reprodutível em uma ou duas etapas cirúrgicas e pode ser considerada segura quando alcançada uma adequada curva de aprendizado apresentando um índice de complicações acorde com a literatura mundial.

Introduction: Palatoplasty with elevated bilateral mucoperiosteal flaps using the von Langenbeck technique associated with intravelar veloplasty is a common procedure with low rates of oronasal fistula (ONF) and velopharyngeal insufficiency. The objective is to present the author's surgical experience and the incidence of ONF among 278 patients who underwent primary palatoplasty using the von Langenbeck technique associated with intravelar veloplasty. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the medical records of 278 patients who underwent primary palatoplasty at the Mário Covas Treatment Center for Craniofacial Malformations of the Guilherme Álvaro Hospital located in the municipality of Santos, São Paulo, Brazil, between May 2010 and May 2018. Results: A total of 278 primary palatoplasty procedures were performed; of them, 225 (80.9%) were performed in two surgical stages and 53 (19.1%) in one surgical stage. The study population included 182 men (65.5%) and 96 women (34.5%). The prevalence of left and bilateral cleft lip and palate was 26.3% and 27%, respectively, and the prevalence of bilateral cleft palate, and right cleft lip and palate was 37.4% and 7.6%, respectively. Sixty-one patients had ONF (21.94%), the incidence of which decreased progressively throughout the study period. Conclusion: Primary palatoplasty, using the von Langenbeck technique associated with intravelar veloplasty, is reproducible when performed in one or two surgical stages, and considered safe when the learning curve is reached with a complication rate similar to those in the literature.

Giant Wharton's duct sialolithiasis causing sialo-oral fistula: a rare case report with literature review.

Giant submandibular sialolithiasis is uncommon and sialoliths causing sialo-oral fistula are rare. We report a case of giant Wharton's duct sialolithiasis causing sialo-oral fistula in a 40 years male who presented with pain and swelling over right side of floor of mouth for more than two years and visualisation of yellow coloured stone like structure at floor of mouth in the last two days. With diagnosis of Submandibular gland sialolithiasis with sialo-oral fistula, sialolithotomy and marsupialization of Wharton's duct was done under local anaesthesia.

Effects of phenytoin spray in prevention of fistula formation following cleft palate repair.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of topical phenytoin has been reported for the treatment of oral biopsy ulcers, chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis, and chronic periodontitis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of topical phenytoin 2% on the prevention of fistula formation after cleft palate repair. METHOD: This randomized clinical trial studied patients with nonsyndromic cleft palate who were referred to a tertiary center and underwent cleft palate repair from March 2010 to February 2015. Patients in the phenytoin group received phenytoin spray 2% for 8 weeks and were compared with an age- and sex-matched control group. RESULTS: A total of 160 patients in two phenytoin and control groups (n = 80 for each group) were recruited to the study. The mean ages of patients in the phenytoin and control groups were 11.42 ± 1.30 and 11.08 ± 1.25 months, respectively. The results showed that six patients (7.5%) in the phenytoin group and 15 patients (18.8%) in the control group formed fistulas during the 6-month follow-up period. There was a significant difference in fistula formation between the phenytoin and control groups (p = 0.035). Furthermore, fistula size was significantly smaller in the phenytoin group compared with the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: More frequent use of phenytoin spray can be considered, although there is insufficient information on the long-term side-effects of the chosen drug.

[Multilayer repair of palatal fistula with an interpositional collagen matrix]. / Reparación multicapa de la fístula palatina con interposición de matriz de colágeno.

OBJECTIVE: Palatal fistula after the repair of cleft palate appears in 7.7-35% of patients. We present two cases of palatal fistula, detailing a multi-layer repair with an interpositional collagen graft. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patient 1: girl with a cleft palate operated using a Furlow technique. A reintervention was performed due to a Pittsburgh type III fistula. Patient 2: male with cleft palate operated using a Furlow technique. A reintervention was performed due to a type V fistula. RESULTS: We used a multilayer repair with a local rotational flap and the interposition of a collagen matrix between the nasal and oral layers. The suture was reinforced with a fibrin hemostatic adhesive. No recurrence of the fistula after 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: The three-layer closure is simple, safe, effective and avoids refistulizations. Interpositional grafts of a resorbable collagen membrane provide a "scaffold" for tissue growth, revascularization and epithelialization of the mucosa.

OBJETIVO: La fístula palatina tras la reparación del paladar fisurado aparece en un 7,7-35% de pacientes. Presentamos dos casos de fístula palatina, detallando la técnica de reparación multicapa con injerto interposicional de colágeno. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Paciente 1: niña con fisura de paladar blando, operada mediante técnica de Furlow. Se programa reintervención por fístula secundaria tipo III de Pittsburgh. Paciente 2: varón con fisura de paladar blando, operado mediante técnica de Furlow. Se programa reintervención por fístula secundaria tipo V. RESULTADOS: Reparación multicapa mediante flap rotacional y matriz de colágeno entre las capas nasal y oral. Refuerzo con adhesivo hemostático de fibrina. Ausencia de recidiva tras 2 años de seguimiento. CONCLUSIONES: El cierre en tres capas es sencillo y efectivo a la hora de evitar refistulizaciones. Los injertos interposicionales de membrana reabsorbible de colágeno proporcionan un "andamio" para el crecimiento de los tejidos, revascularización y epitelialización de la mucosa.

Three-layered repair with a collagen membrane and a mucosal rotational flap reinforced with fibrine for palatal fistula closure in children.

The incidence of postoperative fistula following primary cleft palate repair ranges from 0% to 58%. The reported recurrence rate is between 33% and 37%, and the prognosis of a successful closure declines with each reoperation. Closure of palatal fistulas can be achieved by different techniques depending on its size and the experience of the surgeon. Local, regional and distant flaps are commonly used. Alternatively, or in addition to the previous ones, synthetic materials are becoming very popular nowadays. However, a scarcity of articles explains in detail a simple and effective method in children. We present a case report and the procedure proposed by our pediatric surgery team consisting of a three-layered repair, with a collagen membrane placed over the reconstructed nasal mucosa, and a rotational palatal mucosa flap reinforced with a fibrine sealant. This method is simple, easy to reproduce, effective and has a low rate of complications.

Consecuencias clínicas de caries dental no tratada en preescolares y escolares de instituciones educativas públicas / Clinical consequences of untreated dental caries in preschool and school children of public educational institutions

Objetivos: Evaluar la prevalencia y severidad de las consecuencias de la caries dental no tratada empleando el índice PUFA/pufa en preescolares y escolares de instituciones educativas públicas en una población urbano marginal del Callao. Material y métodos: El estudio fue descriptivo y observacional. Se empleó una base de datos generada que fue procesada con el programa Epi Info® y se exportó al programa estadístico IBM SPSS Statistics v. 19,0 (SPSS Inc.). Se realizó el análisis univariado y bivariado. Resultados: Se evaluaron 1085 niños entre 3 y 16 años. La mayor proporción fue del sexo masculino 557 (51,34%). La frecuencia del índice PUFA/pufa fue 25,71% y el promedio fue de 0,63 ± 1,48. El componente P+p representa el 24,70%, siendo las piezas deciduas las de mayor prevalencia. El grupo de 6-7 años y 8-10 años tuvieron la mayor frecuencia. El maxilar inferior fue el más afectado. Conclusiones: Las consecuencias clínicas de caries no tratada en la población estudiada son altamente frecuentes y severas.

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and severity of the consequences of untreated dental caries using the PUFA/pufa index in preschool and school children of public educational institutions in a marginal urban population of Callao. Material and methods: the study was descriptive and observational. A database was used and processed with the Epi Info® program and exported to the statistical program IBM SPSS Statistics v. 19.0 (SPSS Inc.). The univariate and bivariate analysis were performed. Results: 1085 children between 3 and 16 years old were evaluated. The highest proportion was male 557 (51.34%). The frequency of the PUFA/pufa index was 25.71% and the average was 0.63 ± 1.48. The P + p component represents 24.70%, the deciduous teeth was the most prevalent. The group of 6-7 and 8-10 years had the highest frequency. The lower jaw was the most affected. Conclusions: The clinical consequences of untreated caries in the studied population are highly frequent and severe.

Double palatal flap for oro-nasal fistula closure.

INTRODUCTION: The management of oral fistula to the nose depends on its etiology, its size and its location. Here, we describe a simple technique, inspired by the ones initially developed by Bardach for cleft palates repair. The surgical alternatives are discussed. TECHNICAL NOTE: The double palatal flap is a simple technique, allowing closure in a single session of a central or centro-lateral palate fistula. The key of this technique is the dissection between nasal and palate mucous layers, providing a sufficient amount of laxity to close the defect without tension. DISCUSSION: The double palatal flap can cover centro-lateral palate mucosal fistulae. It provides both aesthetic and functional results in a single stage. Reliability, simplicity and quickness are its main advantages. Outcomes are usually simple; Velar insufficiency may occur, that can be corrected by speech therapy.