Three-dimensional finite element analysis on stress distribution after different palatoplasty and levator veli palatini muscle reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: To establish a three-dimensional finite element model of the upper palate, pharyngeal cavity, and levator veli palatini muscle in patients with unilateral complete cleft palate, simulate two surgical procedures that the two-flap method and Furlow reverse double Z method, observe the stress distribution of the upper palate soft tissue and changes in pharyngeal cavity area after different surgical methods, and verify the accuracy of the model by reconstructing and measuring the levator veli palatini muscle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mimics, Geomagic, Ansys, and Hypermesh were applied to establish three-dimensional finite element models of the pharyngeal cavity, upper palate, and levator veli palatini muscle in patients with unilateral complete cleft palate. The parameters including length, angle, and cross-sectional area of the levator veli palatini muscle etc. were measured in Mimics, and two surgical procedures that two-flap method and Furlow reverse double Z method were simulated in Ansys, and the area of pharyngeal cavity was measured by hypermesh. RESULTS: A three-dimensional finite element model of the upper palate, pharyngeal cavity, and bilateral levator veli palatini muscle was established in patients with unilateral complete cleft palate ; The concept of horizontal projection characteristics of the palatal dome was applied to the finite element simulation of cleft palate surgery, vividly simulating the displacement and elastic stretching of the two flap method and Furlow reverse double Z method during the surgical process; The areas with the highest stress in the two-flap method and Furlow reverse double Z method both occur in the hard soft palate junction area; In resting state, as measured, the two flap method can narrow the pharyngeal cavity area by 50.9%, while the Furlow reverse double Z method can narrow the pharyngeal cavity area by 65.4%; The measurement results of the levator veli palatini muscle showed no significant difference compared to previous studies, confirming the accuracy of the model. CONCLUSIONS: The finite element method was used to establish a model to simulate the surgical procedure, which is effective and reliable. The area with the highest postoperative stress for both methods is the hard soft palate junction area, and the stress of the Furlow reverse double Z method is lower than that of the two-flap method. The anatomical conditions of pharyngeal cavity of Furlow reverse double Z method are better than that of two-flap method in the resting state. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This article uses three-dimensional finite element method to simulate the commonly used two-flap method and Furlow reverse double Z method in clinical cleft palate surgery, and analyzes the stress distribution characteristics and changes in pharyngeal cavity area of the two surgical methods, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the surgeon to choose the surgical method and reduce the occurrence of complications.

Predictors of surgical outcomes for limited palatal muscle resection in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: Limited palatal muscle resection (LPMR) is a modified palatal surgical technique to correct retropalatal obstruction without complications. This study aims to determine the associated factors affecting the success and cure rate of LPMR in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), thus guiding patient selection and improving surgical outcome. METHODS: Thirty-five OSA patients underwent LPMR were enrolled. All patients received routine physical examination, preoperative drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), and polysomnography (PSG). Clinical, polysomnographic, cephalometric variables, and DISE findings were evaluated. These measurements were compared between the surgical success and failure group based on the results of preoperative and postoperative PSG. Furthermore, we compared the cured and non-cured groups in the surgical success group. RESULTS: Among 35 patients, the overall success rate was 57 % with a cure rate of 31.4 %. Patients with Friedman stage II had a significantly higher success rate (p = 0.032). According to DISE results, tongue base obstruction affected the surgical outcome (p < 0.001). The success rate was 100 % in the no tongue base obstruction during DISE, 72.2 % in the partial obstruction, and 9.1 % in the total obstruction. Tonsil size is also helpful in predicting surgical success rate (p = 0.041). Furthermore, patients with mild AHI were more likely to be surgical cures. when compared with patients with severe AHI (p = 0.044). CONCLUSION: Patients with larger tonsil size and no tongue base obstruction during DISE may have a higher chance of surgical success with LPMR. The lower AHI may be predictors of surgical cure after LPMR.

Limited Palatal Muscle Resection for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Limited palatal muscle resection (PMR) is a surgical technique employed to alleviate respiratory disturbances in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients with retropalatal narrowing by reducing soft palate volume and tightening the muscles. Although some previous publications have demonstrated the effectiveness of limited PMR, the overall efficacy and therapeutic role of limited PMR for the treatment of OSA remain uncertain. This study utilized meta-analysis and a systematic literature review to estimate the overall effectiveness of limited PMR in treating OSA. Materials and Methods: Multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, were searched using specific keywords related to OSA and limited PMR. Original articles assessing respiratory disturbances before and after limited PMR in patients with OSA were included. Data from selected articles were collected using standardized forms, including clinicodemographic characteristics, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and lowest pulse oximetry values (minimum SpO2). Random effect models were used for analyzing significant heterogeneity. Egger's test and funnel plot were used to identify publication bias. Results: Four studies were included in this meta-analysis for AHI, and three studies were included for minimum SpO2 during sleep. A significant reduction in the AHI and an increase in the minimum SpO2 were shown following limited PMR as the standardized mean difference (95% confidence interval) was 2.591 (1.092-4.090) and 1.217 (0.248-2.186), respectively. No publication bias was found in either analysis. Conclusions: The results of the meta-analysis and systemic review add to the literature that limited PMR can result in a reduction in the AHI and an increase in min SaO2. In OSA patients with suspected retropalatal obstruction, limited PMR may be efficiently performed.

Vascular anatomy of the velopharyngeal muscles and its clinical implications: A fresh cadaveric study based on micro-computed tomography.

Poor speech improvement after levator veli palatini (LVP) reconstruction may be related to intraoperative vascular injury. We aimed to examine the vascular anatomy of the velopharyngeal muscles to provide a guide for arterial protection in cleft palate repair. Fresh adult cadaveric heads were injected with gelatin/lead oxide. The velopharyngeal specimens were stained with iodine and scanned using micro-computed tomography. Three-dimensional reconstruction models were obtained using a computer-aided design software. The ascending palatine artery (APaA), especially the posterior branch, is the main artery supplying the velopharyngeal muscles. The posterior branch of the APaA reaches the dorsal part of the musculus uvulae in the posterior one third of the soft palate (SP) and lies 1.75 mm (standard deviation, 0.06) under the nasal mucosa; the anterior branch penetrates the anterolateral side of the LVP to reach the anterior one third of the SP and lies 7.09 mm (0.03) under the oral mucosa. The posterior APaA, anterior ApaA, and ApaA trunk had mean diameters of 0.41 mm (0.04), 0.46 mm (0.06), and 0.65 mm (0.04) at 0.5, 1, and 1.5 cm distance from the palatal midline, respectively. To minimize vascular injury, mobilization of muscles during intravelar veloplasty should be performed within a distance of 1 cm from the palatal midline, and dissection of the oral submucosa should be reduced in the anterior one third of the SP, while wide dissection of the nasal submucosal should be avoided in the posterior one third of the SP.

A Preliminary Study of Anatomical Changes Following the Use of a Pedicled Buccal Fat Pad Flap During Primary Palatoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the surgical impact of the pedicled buccal fat pad (BFP) flap on the levator veli palatini (LVP) muscle and surrounding velopharyngeal (VP) anatomy following primary palatoplasty using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). DESIGN: Observational, prospective. SETTING: MRI studies were completed at 3 different facilities. All participants with BFP flap were operated on by the same surgeon. PARTICIPANTS: Five pediatric participants with cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP±L) who underwent primary palatoplasty with BFP flap placement. Comparison groups consisted of 10 participants: 5 with CP±L who did not receive the BFP flap and 5 healthy controls. INTERVENTIONS: All participants underwent nonsedated MRI 2 to 5 years postoperatively. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Anatomical measures of the velopharynx and LVP among the 3 participant groups. RESULTS: Median values were significantly different among groups for velar length (P = .042), effective velar length (P = .048), effective VP ratio (P = .046), LVP length (P = .021), extravelar LVP length (P = .009), and LVP origin-origin distance (P = .030). Post hoc analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the BFP and traditional repair groups for effective VP ratio (P = .040), extravelar LVP length (P = .033), and LVP length (P = .022). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary support that the BFP flap creates a longer velum, with increased distance between the posterior hard palate and the LVP, and a larger effective VP ratio compared to traditional surgical techniques. Future research is needed to determine whether this procedure provides a more favorable mechanism for VP closure.

Quantitative Evaluation of Palatal Lengthening After Cleft Palate Repair When a Buccal Flap Is Routinely Combined With Furlow's Z-Plasty.

INTRODUCTION: The use of a buccinator myomucosal flap in combination with Furlow's Z-plasty during primary and secondary palatal repairs has been proposed by many authors to overcome some of the limitations of Furlow's technique. However, there have been no studies that quantitatively measured the effective palatal lengthening when the buccal flap is added. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The buccal flap is routinely used during primary palate repair in order to fill the gap between the hard palate and reoriented palatal muscle sling. The soft palatal length was measured in the midline from the posterior edge of the hard palate to the base of the uvula. All patients were measured before starting the surgery and just after palatal closure in the standard position for cleft palate repair. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients with cleft palate who were candidates for primary repair were included. The mean age at the time of operation was 11.4 ± 3.5 months. The mean preoperative palatal length was 21.36 ± 3.529 mm, whereas the mean postoperative palatal length was 29.64 ± 4.171) mm. The mean palatal length change was 8.29 ± 2.514 mm (P < 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The Combined use of a buccinator myomucosal flap with modified Furlow's Z-plasty in primary cleft palate repair has proven effective for palatal lengthening and achieved tensionless closure without the need for relaxing incision. It also provided a pliable soft tissue attachment of the palatal muscles to the hard palate allowing for better muscle function and mobility.

Tensor Veli Palatinopexy as a Novel Treatment for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the feasibility of a novel procedure whereby a suture is placed transorally in the tensor veli palatini muscle to tighten it, thereby dilating the cartilaginous portion of the eustachian tube (ET). STUDY DESIGN: The study design was a prospective cadaveric experiment to examine the feasibility of a novel treatment for ET dysfunction. SETTING: Academic medical center in a research-oriented operating room with intraoperative computed tomography (CT) capabilities. METHODS: Seven fresh-frozen cadaver heads were obtained, each of which was thawed for 36 hours prior to use. The preprocedural volumes of the cartilaginous ET were measured by filling the ET with an iodine-containing radiocontrast agent via the nasopharynx and then obtaining CT images. Submucosal flaps in the soft palate were raised, and sutures were placed in the tensor veli palatini bilaterally to increase tension. After completion of the procedure, contrast placement and CT imaging were repeated. Three-dimensional models of the ETs were created, and the volumes were measured and compared. RESULTS: Of the 14 ETs evaluated, 13 showed an increase in postprocedure volume. On average, postprocedure volumes showed a 57% increase from preprocedure volumes (mean relative change, 57.1%; P = .013). CONCLUSION: Placement of a tension-holding suture in the tensor veli palatini muscle can reliably dilate the cartilaginous portion of the ET. Such a procedure may be useful in the treatment of ET dysfunction.

Primary Palatoplasty With Intravelar Veloplasty Using Acellular Dermal Matrix Interpositional Graft.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) on fistula formation after primary palatoplasty using intravelar veloplasty for levator veli palatini muscle repair.This single-center retrospective study included patients who underwent primary palatoplasty with intravelar veloplasty for reorientation of the levator veli palatini muscles between April 2014 and March 2018. In the control group (group A) conventional intravelar veloplasty was performed, while in the ADM group (group B) intravelar veloplasty using ADM was performed. The study sample was composed of 162 patients, 81 in each of the 2 groups (A and B). In group B, securely dissected muscles were overlapped, and a pentagon-shaped ADM (AlloDerm, LifeCell Corp., Branchburg, NJ) of 1.6 mm mean thickness, 11.3 mm mean width, and 14.4 mm mean length was designed, and placed under the repaired levator muscle sling. The outcome variable was the occurrence of oronasal fistula within the first 6 months after surgery.Postoperative fistula formation was reported in 6 patients in group A (7.4%) and in 5 patients in group B (6.2%). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.755). There were 7 cases of ADM exposure and 2 cases of wound dehiscence in group B.The results of this study demonstrated that ADM use did not have any disadvantage with respect to oronasal fistula complications after intravelar veloplasty for levator veli palatini muscle repair.

The Behaviors of the Levator Veli Palatine Muscle Between 2 Surgical Conditions in Dog: The Comparison of Furlow and Pushback Methods.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to compare the velopharyngeal function among the beagle dogs which the levator veli palatini (LVP) muscles construction has been experimentally changed. METHODS: Four groups of LVP muscle reconstruction were made (normal LVP, cut LVP, end-to-end sutured LVP, and overlapped-sutured LVP at the midline). Levator veli palatini contraction was induced by electrical stimulation or a hypercapnia condition to analyze the strength of the velopharyngeal closure using balloon with a blood pressure meter, and the electromyogram in those operated beagle dogs. RESULTS: Under a hypercapnia condition, the velopharyngeal function did not differ significantly among the 4 groups in the terms of velopharyngeal pressure. The strongest closure was shown at the overlapped sutured LVP group by electrical stimulation. CONCLUSION: The reconstruction of overlapped sutured LVP showed the most effective closure. This study suggested that the palatoplasty should be conducted along the overlapped LVP (like Furlow method).

Asymmetry and Positioning of the Levator Veli Palatini Muscle in Children With Repaired Cleft Palate.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the differences in velopharyngeal dimensions as well as levator veli palatini (levator) muscle morphology, positioning, and symmetry of children with repaired cleft palate with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), children with repaired cleft palate with complete velopharyngeal closure, and children with noncleft anatomy. Method Fifteen children ranging in age from 4 to 8 years were recruited for this study. Ten of the participants had a history of repaired cleft palate, half with documented VPI and the other half with velopharyngeal closure. Five participants with noncleft anatomy were matched for age from a normative database. The magnetic resonance imaging protocol, processing methods, and analysis are consistent with that used in previous literature. Results Regarding velopharyngeal dimensions, median values were statistically significantly different between groups for sagittal angle (p = .031) and effective velopharyngeal ratio (p = .013). With respect to the levator muscle, median values were statistically significant for average extravelar length (p = .018), thickness at midline (p = .021), and thickness between the left and right muscle bundles at the point of insertion into the velum (p = .037). Remaining measures were not statistically significant. Conclusions The levator muscle is significantly different among these three groups with respect to thickness at midline, extravelar length, and symmetry at the point of insertion into the velum. Sagittal angle and effective velopharyngeal ratio are also significantly different. Participants with repaired cleft palate and VPI displayed the greatest degree of asymmetry. Future research should control for surgical procedure type to determine the impact of surgery on the levator muscle and surrounding velopharyngeal anatomy.

Perioperative Management in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate.

In cleft care, perioperative treatment strategies like ear nose and throat (ENT) diagnostics as well as postoperative antibiotics, feeding, and duration of inpatient stay are nonstandardized procedures varying between different centers. Likewise, intraoperative choice of suture materials and time of suture removal are performed inconsistently. Therefore, we wanted to collect information on protocols focusing on these topics to summarize and subsume currently approved treatment strategies of centers around the world. We ask members of international cleft centers for their respective treatment strategies and performed descriptive statistics.Absorbable suture material is used for reconstruction of the outer lip skin in 20 of 70 centers. Removal of skin sutures is conducted after 7.0 ±â€Š1.5 days. Suturing of the orbicularis oris muscle, the enoral and nasal mucosa, as well as the palatal musculature is predominantly performed with absorbable suture materials. Intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis is applied in 82.9% of the participating centers. In contrast, 31.9% of the departments do not apply any antibiotic postoperatively. Postoperative feeding is performed in 27 centers via a nasogastric tube for 4.6 ±â€Š2.3 days on average. Mean length of postoperative inpatient stay is 4.1 ±â€Š2.6 days in children after cleft lip surgery and 4.5 ±â€Š2.7 days after cleft palate surgery. ENT consultation before surgery is routinely conducted in 52.8% of the centers and 82.9% of ENT colleagues investigate middle ear pathologies in the same operation in which cleft repair is performed.Closure of the lip skin is predominantly performed with nonabsorbable suture material followed by a suture removal after 1 week. Intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis as well as inpatient hospital stay of 4 to 5 days in combination with oral feeding and a preoperative consultation and intraoperative cooperation with the ENT department seems to be well-proven concepts in cleft lip palate patient care. However, this analysis illustrated the variations and differing approaches in perioperative care emphasizing the need to verify perioperative management concepts in cleft surgery-preferably in the context of multicenter studies.

Surgical indication of Furlow palatoplasty to treat submucous cleft palate.

This study investigated the effects of Furlow palatoplasty on children with submucous cleft palate (SMCP) and identified surgical indications by comparing SMCP and control patients. Twenty-three SMCP children (average age 28.9 months) who were nonsyndromic and underwent surgery between April 2010 and December 2016 were included. Facial computed tomography (CT) was performed preoperatively and at least 1 year postoperatively after a language test. Facial CT measurements were taken for 140 children aged 0-6 years without deformities (control group). Later surgery was associated with more severe nasality. In the coronal view, the difference in the maxillary tuberosity before and after surgery was 3.8 mm (p < 0.05). The height and width of the palatal arch (HNP and WNP) were well maintained (p > 0.05), whereas the angle of the levator veli palatini muscle (ALM) increased (p < 0.05). The nasopharynx was close to normal postoperatively. The distance between the medial pterygoid plates, the HNP, and the WNP were larger in SMCP patients preoperatively (p < 0.05), but these differences disappeared after surgery (p > 0.05). The ALM in SMCP patients was narrower preoperatively, but became flatter postoperatively (p < 0.05), indicating the repositioning of the levator muscle, with improvement of the velopharyngeal function. Furlow palatoplasty is indicated if the HNP and WNP values are larger, and the ALM value is less, in patients with SMCP than in those without.

Clinical Significance of the Levator Veli Palatini Muscle in Velocardiofacial Syndrome Patients: Implications in Velopharyngeal Incompetence and Pharyngeal Flap Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Anatomical variation and deficits of velocardiofacial syndrome patients are related to unsatisfactory treatment results in surgical correction of speech abnormalities. The main purpose of the article is to investigate the clinical significance of thinned levator veli palatini muscle in VCFS patients. METHODS: The authors reviewed medical records of all children with velocardiofacial syndrome who received pharyngeal flap surgery between March 2007 and September 2015. Data including thickness of levator veli palatini in magnetic resonance examination; preoperative velopharyngeal gap size from nasoendoscopy; and preoperative and postoperative speech outcomes were collected. RESULTS: Total of 36 velocardiofacial syndrome patients with preoperative objective data and postoperative speech outcomes were identified. Preoperative velopharyngeal gap showed significant correlation with thickness of levator veli palatini (correlation coefficient: 0.297/0.397, P = .02/.03) and gap size showed correlation with postoperative speech improvement (0.347/0.413, P = .04/.02). However, muscle thickness showed no correlation with speech outcomes (0.046/0.037, P = .77/.86). CONCLUSION: Thinned levator veli palatini muscle in velocardiofacial syndrome patients are related to widened velopharyngeal gap and production of hypernasal speech, and can give negative impact on postoperative surgical outcome of pharyngeal flap surgery.

Does drug-induced sleep endoscopy predict surgical success of limited palatal muscle resection in patients with obstructive sleep apnea?

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to determine the associated factors affecting the success rate of limited palatal muscle resection (LPMR), and to investigate whether drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) could predict the therapeutic response to LPMR in patients with obstructive sleep apnea obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: Twenty-one consecutive OSA patients underwent LPMR were enrolled. All patients received routine ENT examination, preoperative DISE, and polysomnography (PSG). Clinical, polysomnographic, cephalometric variables, and DISE findings were evaluated. The measurements were related to the success or failure of LPMR based on the results of preoperative and postoperative PSG. RESULTS: The overall success rate of LPMR was 66.6%. Postoperative AHI and minimal oxygen saturation were significantly decreased after LPMR (p<0.001). Comparison between success and failure groups revealed no significant differences in BMI, Friedman stage, preoperative AHI, minimal oxygen saturation, and all cephalometric parameters. However, the success of LPMR was significantly correlated with site, degree, and configuration of obstruction in DISE. In the velopharynx, complete obstruction (p=0.006) with anterolateral or concentric pattern (p=0.044) had significantly better success rate than partial obstruction with lateral pattern. CONCLUSION: DISE was only predictive method for identifying the success in OSA patients undergoing LPMR. Patients with anteroposterior or concentric total obstruction in the velopharynx might be suitable candidate for LPMR.

Speech outcomes at 5 and 10 years of age after one-stage palatal repair with muscle reconstruction in children born with isolated cleft palate.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate speech outcomes in children with clefts in the hard and/or soft palate only (CPH/CPS), in order to determine the prevalence of cleft speech characteristics, the change between 5 and 10 years of age, and the difference in occurrence between CPH and CPS. METHODS: A consecutive series of 88 children born with CPH or CPS were included in a retrospective cohort. All participants were treated with one-stage palatal repair using a minimal incision technique with muscle reconstruction (mean age 13 months). Twelve children (14%) received a velopharyngeal flap. Cleft speech variables were rated at 5 and 10 years of age independently by three experienced external speech-language pathologists. Inter- and intra-rater agreements were determined, and the prevalence of cleft speech characteristics was calculated. RESULTS: Moderate-to-severe hypernasality and weak pressure consonants were present in 5%-10% of the children at 5 years, with marginal but statistically significant improvement at 10 years of age. Frequently or always occurring audible nasal air leakage was detected in 20% of children at age 5, and increased to ∼35% of the children at 10 years. Ten per cent had compensatory articulation at age 5, and 25% demonstrated s-distortions, whereas few had these problems at age 10. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate low occurrence of compensatory articulation problems in this cohort, even by 5 years of age. The high presence of symptoms of velopharyngeal insufficiency at 10 years of age suggests a need for additional secondary velopharyngeal surgery.

Minimal incision palatoplasty with or without muscle reconstruction in patients with isolated cleft palate: a cast and medical records analysis.

Objectives: To compare the minimal incision (MI) technique with the minimal incision including muscle reconstruction (MMI) technique regarding surgical complications and dentoalveolar status at 5 years of age. Subjects and method: A consecutive series of 202 Caucasian non-syndromic children (apart from Pierre Robin Sequence) born with isolated cleft palate between 1987 and 2007 and treated with MI (n = 78) or MMI (n = 102) palatoplasty at a mean age of 12.7 (SD = 1.43) months in Stockholm. Twenty-two patients did not fulfill the inclusion criteria. The patients were divided into two subgroups: clefts within the soft palate only (small cleft, n = 50) and clefts within the hard and soft palate (big cleft, n = 130). Dental relations, structure of the palatal mucosa, and height of the palatal vault at 5 (mean age 5.3, range: 4.4-6.9) years of age were studied using plaster models. Time for surgery, blood loss, complications in the immediate postoperative period, frequency of fistulas, and additional pharyngeal flap surgery were evaluated. Student's t-test, chi-square test and 95 per cent confidence intervals were calculated. Results: MMI compared to MI technique result in statistically significant increased operation time, less need for pharyngeal flap surgery, and to shallower palatal vault. Big clefts result in statistically significant increased operation time and need for pharyngeal flap surgery. Dental relations were the same in all groups. Limitations: Retrospective single centre study, limited sample size, more than one surgeon. Conclusions: The muscle reconstruction results in a reduced subsequent need for pharyngeal flap surgery, but to shallower palatal vault and demand for almost double operation time. The dental relations were the same in all groups.

Total Palatal Mobilization and Multilamellar Suturing Technique Improves Outcome for Palatal Fistula Repair.

BACKGROUNDS: The success rate of the surgical repair of palatal fistula after palatoplasty is often unsatisfactory. This study is a review of 15 years of single surgeon's experience with the evolution of a reliable surgical technique with high success rate. METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review of consecutive cleft cases undergoing repair of palatal fistula from 2000 to 2015. The study included 37 consecutive fistula repair cases with wide elevation and mobilization of the palatal tissues and nasal and oral layer repair. Group 1 (n = 20) were treated earlier in the study using either midline, von Langenbeck, or 2-flap palatoplasty with 3-layer suturing. Group 2 (n = 17) were treated through a Dorrance-type incision and additional repair of the oral periosteum for a total of 4-layer suturing. RESULTS: The overall fistula closure rate was 94.6% (90% in group 1 and 100% in group 2). The difference in outcome between the 2 groups was statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). Most patients (83.8%) had concomitant velar muscle retropositioning for treatment of velopharyngeal incompetence. CONCLUSIONS: Fistula repair using wide mobilization of the entire palate through previous repair incisions and multilamellar suturing technique has a very low fistula recurrence rate. Addition of the fourth layer of suturing and the use of a Dorrance-type incision further improves the outcome. This approach provides wide tissue release and access to tissue layers for better repair and tension-free closure. Combining intravelar veloplasty with fistula repair is safe and allows management of the fistula and its possible consequences on palatal function in a single procedure.

Protocolo para la planificación quirúrgica en las clínicas de labio y paladar hendidos en la zona noroeste de la República Mexicana / Guidelines for the surgical planning at the cleft lip and palate clinics located in the northwest of Mexican Republic

Introducción y Objetivo. Las fisuras de labio y paladar son las malformaciones craneofaciales más frecuentes. Su tratamiento debe ser multidisciplinario y secuencial. Generalmente los pacientes requieren más de una cirugía reconstructiva durante su infancia y a veces es indispensable, en la edad adulta, el tratamiento dental, de audición, lenguaje, crecimiento facial y psicológico. Es necesaria la colaboración de múltiples profesionales de la salud que se mantendrán al tanto del progreso del paciente en su especialidad y se apoyarán para lograr un resultado exitoso y con buena calidad de vida. El objetivo del presente trabajo es estandarizar el manejo quirúrgico de las fisuras de labio y paladar en los pacientes atendidos en las clínicas ubicadas en Tijuana y Ensenada, y próximamente Mexicali y Hermosillo, ciudades localizadas al noroeste de México. Material y Método. En las clínicas de Labio y Paladar Hendido de Tijuana y Ensenada, la colaboración de profesionales en Cirugía Plástica, Odontología Pediátrica, Ortodoncia, Otorrinolaringología, Terapia de Lenguaje, Terapia Familiar, Psicología Pediátrica y otras disciplinas, ha logrado un seguimiento del tratamiento multidisciplinario de hasta 10 años. Los resultados estéticos y funcionales han sido óptimos cuando la cirugía reconstructiva se ha complementado con estas otras disciplinas. Resultados. Las fisuras de labio y paladar hendidos deben ser atendidas desde el nacimiento, apoyando psicológicamente a los padres, instruyéndolos sobre la alimentación y cuidados especiales de estos pacientes, preparando al niño para su primera cirugía que en muchos casos es la queiloplastia, y para la segunda, la palatoplastia, y enfatizando el apoyo por Odontopediatría y Ortodoncia para la salud dental y moldeamiento de los segmentos maxilares y de los cartílagos alares, así como la terapia del lenguaje cuando el paciente empieza a estructurar su habla. La evaluación audiológica es importante desde el nacimiento y la colocación de tubos de ventilación evitará problemas de audición y del habla si está indicada. Conclusiones. A lo largo de la infancia y hasta la edad adulta, los pacientes pueden requerir correcciones labiales y nasales, colocación de injertos óseos alveolares, faringoplastias, colgajos faríngeos, distracción maxilar y finalmente, cirugía ortognática para los problemas de oclusión o de crecimiento facial. Antes de llevarse a cabo cualquiera de estas cirugías, es indispensable la evaluación conjunta por el equipo multidisciplinario para lograr los mejores resultados (AU)

Background and Objective. The lip and palate clefts are the most frequent congenital craneofacial malformations. Their treatment must be multidisciplinary and sequential. Most cases need more than one reconstructive surgery during the patient's childhood and can extend to additional surgery in adulthood. Dental, auditory, speech, facial growth and psychological management are required. This is why all of the professionals that work in a cleft team should always communicate to obtain the most successful results. The objective of the present study is to standardize the management of lip and palate fissures in patients treated at the clinics located in Tijuana and Ensenada, and soon Mexicali and Hermosillo, cities located in the Northwest of Mexico. Methods. The patients involved have been treated in clinics for clefts in Tijuana, Ensenada, and very soon in Mexicali and Hermosillo, cities located in the Northwest of Mexico. In the cleft lip and palate clinics in Tijuana and Ensenada, the collaboration between Plastic Surgery, Pediatric Odontology, Orthodontics, Otorhinolaryngology, Speech Therapy, Family Therapy, Child Psychology and other disciplines has been crucial to treat and follow up on patients during the past 10 years. The esthetic and functional results have been optimal when the surgery is complemented by these other disciplines. Results. For this approach, the cleft lip and palate patient has to be evaluated as early as possible, and parents must be instructed in nutrition and other special needs, and in getting the patient ready for the first surgery which in most cases is the lip repair and the second, if needed, is the palate repair. It always has to be emphasized that the pediatric odontologist and the orthodontist play an important role in molding the nasal cartilages as well as the maxillary segments before the surgery, as well as dental health. The speech therapist will have an important role when the patient's speech development starts and an early audiologic assessment will guide the treatment with ear tubes placed by the otorhinolaryngologist in order to avoid auditory and speech problems. Conclusions. During their lifetime, these patients may need other surgical procedures such as lip and nasal revisions, alveolar bone graft, pharyngoplasties, pharyngeal flaps, maxillary distraction or orthognatic surgery; this last one when there have been facial growth problems or malocclusions. Before any of these surgeries, the exchange of assessment and therapeutic plans by the multidisciplinary team is necessary to obtain the best results (AU)