The use of acellular dermal matrix in palatoplasty to decrease the rate of postoperative oronasal fistula.

Different cleft palate repair techniques have been described to achieve optimum results and minimise complications. Postoperative fistulae are one of the most challenging complications after palate repair. In this clinical study, we reviewed the records of patients who underwent palatoplasty using acellular dermal matrix (ADM) as an addition to facilitate difficult cleft palate and palatal fistula closure. It was a retrospective, comparative, single-centre study, in which records of patients who underwent cleft palate surgeries between 2015 and 2018 were reviewed. Patients who underwent cleft palate or palatal fistula repair with and without ADM were included. Fischer's exact test was used to compare the two groups (primary cleft palate repair with and without ADM) in relation to the rate of fistula occurrence postoperatively. Charts of a total of 31 patients were reviewed. ADM was used in 13 patients; 8(61.5%) were primary repairs and 5(38.5%) were fistula repairs. Eighteen patients were repaired without ADM, of whom 16(88.9%) were primary cleft palate repairs and 2(11.1%) were fistula repairs. The statistical analysis showed no significant difference in fistula formation rate or recurrence in both the groups. ADM is a simple, safe, and helpful tool for augmenting cleft palate repair, mainly in relatively wide and high-tension cleft palate repairs. In our study, a trend showing decreased complications with ADM was observed. Therefore, we recommend a multi-centre study with a larger sample to assess the significance of ADM in cleft palate and palatal fistulae repair.

Buccal Fat Pad: Adjunctive Procedure for Lateral Defect Coverage following Primary Palatoplasty.

BACKGROUND: The buccal fat flap is an encapsulated mass originating from a specific fat tissue that is easily accessed and richly vascularized. The aim of this study was to report the effect of using the buccal fat flap on the oronasal fistula rate in primary palatoplasty. METHODS: A case-controlled study of 94 patients who underwent primary cleft palate repair. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) two-flap palatoplasty with buccal fat flap for coverage of lateral hard palate defect and (2) conventional two-flap palatoplasty. The incidence of oronasal fistula and postoperative complications were compared between groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the risk factors of oronasal fistula development. RESULT: Forty-seven patients in each group demonstrated the same baseline characteristics. The buccal fat group showed a significant lower postoperative oronasal fistula rate (2.13 percent versus 21.28 percent, p = 0.008) and smaller fistula size (2 mm versus 4 mm, p = 0.049). A cleft width wider than 11.5 mm increased the odds ratio of fistula formation by 8.44-fold (p = 0.047), and the use of buccal fat protected against postoperative palatal fistula formation (OR, 0.08, p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: The use of buccal fat flaps for lateral hard palatal defect coverage in primary palatoplasty can reduce the rate of postoperative palatal fistula, especially in cases of wide palatal cleft. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Orocutaneous Fistula After Oral Cavity Resection and Reconstruction: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Orocutaneous fistula (OCF) after reconstruction for oral cavity resection can lead to prolonged hospitalization and adjuvant treatment delay. Few studies have examined factors leading to OCF after oral cavity resection. Primary objective: evaluate overall incidence and factors associated with OCF after oral cavity reconstruction. DATA SOURCES: Scopus 1960-database was searched for terms: "orocutaneous fistula," "oro cutaneous fistula," "oral cutaneous fistula," "orocervical fistula," "oral cavity salivary fistula." REVIEW METHODS: English language studies with >5 patients undergoing reconstruction after oral cavity cancer resection were included. About 1057 records initially screened; 214 full texts assessed; 78 full-texts included. PRISMA guidelines were followed, and MINORS criteria used to assess risk of bias. Data were pooled using random-effects model. Primary outcome was OCF incidence. Meta-analysis to determine the effect of preoperative radiation on OCF conducted on 12 eligible studies. Pre-collection hypothesis was that prior radiation therapy is associated with increased OCF incidence. Post-collection analyses: free versus pedicled flaps; mandible-sparing versus segmental mandibulectomy. RESULTS: Seventy-eight studies were included in meta-analysis of overall OCF incidence. Pooled effect size showed overall incidence of OCF to be 7.71% (95% CI, 6.28%-9.13%) among 5400 patients. Meta-analysis of preoperative radiation therapy on OCF showed a pooled odds ratio of 1.68 (95% CI, 0.93-3.06). OCF incidence was similar between patients undergoing free versus pedicled reconstruction, or segmental mandibulectomy versus mandible-sparing resection. CONCLUSION: Orocutaneous fistula after oral cavity resection has significant incidence and clinical impact. Risk of OCF persists despite advances in reconstructive options; there is a trend toward higher risk after prior radiation.

Risk Factors of Fistula Following Primary Palatoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Oronasal fistula (ONF) is a common complication following cleft palate surgery. This study aims to determine the prevalence of ONF and the factors that influence development of ONF following primary palatoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were 234 patients undergoing primary palatoplasty during 2012 to 2016 included in this cross-sectional study. Patient demographics, surgeon's experience, age at the time of primary palatoplasty, cleft type by Veau classification, cleft width, and operative technique were recorded. The prevalence of fistulae was the primary outcome. Association of age at the time of repair, cleft type, cleft associated with syndromes, cleft width, and surgeon's experience with fistula rate were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: There were 234 consecutive patients (128 boys [54.7%] and 106 girls [45.3%]). The mean age at primary palatoplasty was 13 months. Oronasal fistulae occurred in 61 (26.07%) patients. There was a statistically significant association between postoperative oronasal fistulae and the following independent variables: Veau classification (adjusted odds ratio 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.45-3.1, P < 0.01), cleft associated with syndromes (adjusted odds ratio 4.76; 95% CI = 1.48-15.2, P < 0.01) and cleft width more than 11.5 mm (adjusted odds ratio 1.96; 95% CI = 1.00-3.85, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The overall number of fistulae was moderate in patients who had undergone primary palatoplasty in our center. Cleft severity as defined by the Veau classification, cleft width, and cleft associated with syndromes were predictive factors for development of postoperative fistulae.

Cleft Palate Repair by Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeons: Risk Factors for Postoperative Fistula.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To assess the incidence of palatal fistula after primary repair of the cleft palate among two cohorts of Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeons and to identify patient and surgeon characteristics that may predict fistula development. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series with chart review. METHODS: Children who underwent primary repair of cleft palate at one of two multidisciplinary cleft centers over a 10 year period were identified. Charts were reviewed for the presence of palatal fistula; chi square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine variables associated with fistula formation. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2017, 477 patients underwent primary repair of cleft palate by one of 6 Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeons. Twenty-four children had incomplete charts, allowing 453 patients to be included in the final analysis. The pooled mean incidence of palatal fistula was 6.6% (P = .525) and varied significantly by cleft type. Logistic regression analysis controlling for multiple variables, showed that Veau IV classification had the highest risk of fistula (OR = 10.582; P = .004). Repair by a specific surgeon was not a significant risk factor for fistula development (P > .07 for each surgeon). CONCLUSIONS: Among six Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeons with fellowship training in cleft palate repair postoperative fistula rates were consistent and compared favorably to standards in the Cleft and Craniofacial surgery literature established by other surgical specialties. Consistent with larger database studies involving multiple surgical specialties, Veau IV classification was the strongest predictor of palatal fistula development, even after adjusting for multiple variables, including differing levels of experience. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:1281-1285, 2021.

Oronasal Fistula Risk After Palate Repair.

OBJECTIVE: To assess risk factors for oronasal fistula, including 2-stage palate repair. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Tertiary children's hospital. PATIENTS: Patients with non-submucosal cleft palate whose entire cleft repair was completed at the study hospital between 2005 and 2013 with postsurgical follow-up. INTERVENTIONS: Hierarchical binary logistic regression assessed predictive value of variables for fistula. Variables tested for inclusion were 2 stage repair, Veau classification, sex, age at surgery 1, age at surgery 2, surgeon volume, surgeon, insurance status, socioeconomic status, and syndrome. Variables were added to the model in order of significance and retained if significant at a .05 level. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Postoperative fistula. RESULTS: Of 584 palate repairs, 505 (87%) had follow-up, with an overall fistula rate of 10.1% (n = 51). Among single-stage repairs (n = 211), the fistula rate was 6.7%; it was 12.6% in 2-stage repairs (n = 294, P = .03). In the final model utilizing both single-stage and 2-stage patient data, significant predictors of fistula were 2-stage repair (odds ratio [OR]: 2.5, P = .012), surgeon volume, and surgeon. When examining only single-stage patients, higher surgeon volume was protective against fistula. In the model examining 2-stage patients, surgeon and age at hard palate repair were significant; older age at hard palate closure was protective for fistula, with an OR of 0.82 (P = .046) for each additional 6 months in age at repair. CONCLUSIONS: Two-stage surgery, surgeon, and surgeon volume were significant predictors of fistula occurrence in all children, and older age at hard palate repair was protective in those with 2-stage repair.

Oronasal Fistula Incidence Associated With Vomer Flap Repair of Cleft Palate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of oronasal fistulas (ONF) associated with primary repair of the anterior palate using a single-layered, superiorly based, vomer mucoperiosteal flap. DESIGN: A systematic review of MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases using the keywords: "vomer flap" and "cleft palate repair" were carried out. A meta-analysis was performed using random effect modeling with stratified analysis by syndromic diagnosis, number of surgeons, and mean age. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Incidence of ONFs. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 9 studies with a total of 464 children who met inclusion criteria. The overall ONF rate was 3.0% (95% CI: 1.0-9.0). Fistula rates were not significantly different in studies that included syndromic patients compared to studies that did not, 5.0% (95% CI: 1.0-24.0) versus 3.0% (95% CI: 1.0-6.0), respectively. There was no significant difference between studies in which there was a single surgeon versus multiple surgeons, 3.0% (95% CI: 1.0-13.0) versus 4.0% (95% CI: 1.0-8.0), respectively. Age at the time of cleft repair showed no statistically significant difference in fistula rate when comparing children with a mean age less than 12 months to those greater than 12 months, 3.0% (95% CI: 1.0-5.0) versus 5.0% (95% CI: 1.0-28.0), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The vomer flap technique in cleft palate repair appears to be associated with a low ONF rate unaffected by syndromic diagnosis, number of surgeons, or patient age at time of repair.

The Effect of Buccal Fat Pad Graft in the Palatoplasty and the Risk Factor of Postoperative Palatal Fistula.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of buccal fat pad (BFP) in the palatoplasty and to investigate the risk factors associated with postoperative palatal fistula formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-five cleft palate patients were enrolled for this study. Clinical data regarding sex, age, type of cleft, surgical technique, the ratio of cleft width, and BFP graft were collected. The ratio of cleft width was measured and calculated using preoperative clinical photographs. In 36 patients, the BFP was harvested and grafted on the cleft palate to prevent palatal fistula formation. The patients were followed up, the incidence of fistula formation was investigated, and the risk factors related with the fistula were evaluated. RESULTS: Four patients had postoperative palatal fistula and were not BFP grafted during operation. The BFP graft and ratio of cleft width are significant factors in palatal fistula formation (P = .035, .003). There was a significant difference in the ratio of cleft width between the normal and fistula groups (P = .006). In the logistic regression analysis, there was significant association between high ratio of cleft width and palatal fistula formation in the no BFP group (odds ratio; 11.15, P = .036). CONCLUSIONS: The ratio of cleft width and BFP graft was a significant factor in palatal fistula formation. The BFP graft is a reliable procedure to prevent palatal fistula formation and increase the success of palatoplasty.

Causative Factors for Complications in Transpalatal Advancement.

INTRODUCTION: Transpalatal advancement (TPA) is a procedure that is used when modern variants of uvulopharyn-gopalatoplasty are unable to provide enough anterior traction. Although successful in reduction of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) parameters, it also comes with procedure-specific risks. Formation of an oro-nasal fistula (ONF) is a complication that results in significant morbidity and a protracted treatment course. METHODS: After approval from the University of Wollongong Health Research Ethics Committee, a retrospective chart review of all cases undergoing TPA performed by a single surgeon over a 10-year period from 2008 to 2018 was performed. Patients underwent pre- and postoperative level 1 or 2 polysomnography. Factors potentially contributing to palatal complications, as well as pre- and postoperative polysomnographic parameters, subjective sleep questionnaires, and body mass index (BMI) were statistically analyzed where a P value <.05 was considered a significant result. RESULTS: A total of 59 patients were included. Overall palatal complication rate was 25.4% (15/59), with the most common being transient velo-palatal insufficiency (VPI) (8/59, 13.6%). ONF developed in 4/59 (6.8%) of patients. None of the analyzed contributing factors for palatal complications were statistically significant, except the presence of a high-arched palate and development of ONF. All analyzed sleep parameters, as well as BMI, were significantly different when comparing pre- to postoperative results. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that TPA has a role in current sleep surgery paradigms and can significantly improve both objective and subjective outcome measures of OSA. Surgeons contemplating TPA on patients with high-arched hard palates should do so with caution.

Factors predisposing to the development of orocutaneous fistula following surgery for oral cancer: Experience from a tertiary cancer center.

BACKGROUND: Orocutaneous fistula (OCF) is one of the frequently encountered postoperative complications following surgery for oral cancer, leading to prolonged hospital stay and delay in the initiation of adjuvant therapy. METHODS: We included all patients with oral cancer operated between January 2016 to December 2017 and at risk to develop an OCF. We assessed the incidence of OCF, its management, and factors predisposing to its development. RESULTS: Of 587 eligible patients, 9% developed OCF. On univariate and multivariate analysis, patients undergoing bilateral neck dissection or with surgical site infection (SSI) (P < .001) were at maximum risk. On univariate analysis, the incidence was higher following resections for tongue-floor of mouth sub site (P = .002), irrespective of the type of flap used for reconstruction. Majority (57%) required surgical intervention for management. CONCLUSION: The presence of SSI and performing bilateral neck dissection posed the maximum risk for developing OCF in patients undergoing surgery for oral cancer.

Long-Term Outcomes for Adult Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a single center's experience with adult patients who had cleft lip, cleft palate, or both. The authors aimed to identify common long-term needs in this patient population and evaluated the relationship of team-based care in meeting those needs. To do so, the authors retrospectively reviewed chart records from a single private practice and tertiary referral cleft center for all patients who were ≥15 years of age and who had a history of clefts of the lip or palate, or both, from January 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014. The authors compared the concerns of the patients who received cleft-team-based care by a single, multidisciplinary cleft team; multiple multidisciplinary cleft teams; or no formal cleft team. The authors analyzed data for 142 patients. The most common patient concerns were lip aesthetics (64%), nose aesthetics (61%), septal deviations (47%), nasal obstruction (44%), malocclusion (32%), oronasal fistulas (29%), and speech (21%). Oronasal fistulas were more commonly reported in the group of patients who had care by multiple teams (42.9%; P < .001). Malocclusion was more commonly reported in the group of patients who had care by multiple teams (50%; P = .001). The authors found that adult patients who have undergone rehabilitation for cleft lip and palate appear to have a common set of long-term needs. Multidisciplinary cleft-team-based care appears to be the most effective way to address these needs.

The incidence of velopharyngeal insufficiency and oronasal fistula after primary palatal surgery with Sommerlad intravelar veloplasty: A retrospective study in Isfahan Cleft Care Team.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to determine the incidence of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), oronasal fistula development and facial grimace in patients seen by Isfahan Cleft Care Team (ICCT) after primary Sommerlad intravelar veloplasty (SIVV). Furthermore the association of gender, cleft type and age at primary surgery with the incidence of hypernasality and fistula is determined. METHODS: A group of 40 patients with history of cleft palate with or without cleft lip were identified from the records of ICCT between 2011 and 2014. The main outcome measures were the incidence of hypernasality and fistula after primary palate repair with SIVV. Speech recordings were analyzed by consensus by two speech therapists according to the Cleft Audit Protocol for Speech- Augmented (CAPS-A), (Kappa = 82.4). Deciding whether or not to have a fistula was based on the oral examination videos. RESULTS: Severe and moderate hypernasality was observed in 42.5% of patients. Normal resonance and mild/borderline hypernasality was observed in 37.5% and 20% of patients, respectively. The frequency of fistulas was 7.5%. There was a significant association between hypernasality with cleft type and the age at primary surgery (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Significant progress has been made in the outcomes of the primary palate surgeries with the SIVV technique compared to the previous study in the ICCT.

Outcomes of Primary Palatoplasty: An Analysis Using the Pediatric Health Information System Database.

BACKGROUND: Previous attempts at reporting oronasal fistula development and secondary speech surgery following cleft palate surgery have been limited to single-center case series. This limitation can be overcome by querying large databases created by health care governing bodies or health care alliances. The authors examined the effect of cleft type and demographic variables on the clinical outcomes. METHODS: Data from the Pediatric Health Information System database were queried for patients, aged 6 to 18 months, who had undergone primary palatoplasty between 2004 and 2009. Subsequent repair of an oronasal fistula and/or secondary speech surgery between 2004 and 2015 was identified by procedure codes. Logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between cleft type with oronasal fistula and with secondary speech surgery. RESULTS: Seven thousand three hundred twenty-five patients were identified, and 6.4 percent (n = 468) had a subsequent repair of an oronasal fistula and 18.5 percent (n = 1355) had a secondary speech operation. Adjusted for age, sex, and race, patients with cleft lip and palate have increased odds of oronasal fistula (OR, 5.60; 95 percent CI, 4.44 to 7.07) and secondary speech surgery (OR, 2.32; 95 percent CI, 2.05 to 2.63). CONCLUSIONS: Using a large, multi-institution billing database, the authors were able to estimate the prevalence of oronasal fistula and surgically treated velopharyngeal insufficiency following primary palatoplasty in the United States. In addition, the authors demonstrated that patients with isolated cleft palate develop fewer oronasal fistulas and require less secondary speech surgery than patients with cleft lip and palate. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Pufa Index and Related Factors Among 36- to 71-month-old Children in Turkey: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries among preschool children by using the pufa index (visible pulp, ulceration of the oral mucosa due to root fragments, a fistula or an abscess) and the incorporation of some risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected via structured, pre-tested questionnaires from 729 parents in Turkey's capital, Ankara. Examinations were performed under field conditions by one examiner. The decayed teeth were scored according to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) II criteria. The filled and missing teeth and surfaces were also recorded as dmft and dmfs, and the pufa index was used for the consequences of untreated caries. The associations were evaluated by univariate analysis and logistic regression. RESULTS: The means age of the study population was 58.8 ± 8.6 months. 45% of the children were female and 55% were male. Mean dmft and dmfs were 4.8 ± 4.7 and 8.3 ± 10.2, respectively. 73.8% of the children had early childhood caries (ECC), while 51.0% had severe cases. Only 58 children (8.0%) had totally healthy primary teeth according to ICDAS II. Of the children with caries (n = 538), 17.5% had at least one pufa tooth. According to the logistic regression analysis, sex, having at least one sibling, extraction experience, and father's educational level were found to be the factors associated with the existence of pufa. CONCLUSION: Healthcare providers' attention must be drawn to both untreated carious lesions and the high ECC proportion among preschool children.

Cleft Palate Repair: Description of an Approach, Its Evolution, and Analysis of Postoperative Fistulas.

BACKGROUND: Fistulas following cleft palate repair impair speech, health, and hygiene and occur in up to 35 percent of cases. The authors detail the evolution of a surgical approach to palatoplasty; assess the rates, causes, and predictive factors of fistulas; and examine the temporal association of modifications to fistula rates. METHODS: Consecutive patients (n = 146) undergoing palatoplasty during the first 6 years of practice were included. The technique of repair was based on cleft type, and a common surgical approach was used for all repairs. RESULTS: The fistula rate was 2.4 percent (n = 125) after primary repair and 0 percent (n = 21) after secondary repair. All complications occurred in patients with type III or IV clefts. Cleft width and cleft-to-total palatal width ratio were associated with fistulas, whereas syndromes, age, and adoption were not. Most complications could also be attributed to technical factors. During the first 2 years, modifications were made around specific anatomical features, including periarticular bony hillocks, maxillopalatine suture, velopalatine pits, and tensor insertion. The fistula rate declined by one-half in subsequent years. CONCLUSIONS: The authors describe a surgical approach to cleft palate repair, its evolution, and surgically relevant anatomy. Fistulas were associated with increasing cleft severity but could also be attributed to technical factors. A reduction in frequency and severity of fistulas was consistent with a learning curve and may in part be associated with modifications to the surgical approach. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Exposed necrotic bone in 183 patients with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: Associated clinical characteristics

Background: The main objective of our study was to identify oral symptoms and signs most likely to be associated with the exposure of necrotic bone in bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). Material and Methods: The study group consisted of 183 patients with BRONJ. We recorded data on the underlying disease, bisphosphonate used, location of osteonecrosis, symptoms, pain, fistula development, suppuration, infection, exposed necrotic bone, and BRONJ stage. Results: The mean age of the patients was 68.22 ± 12.19 years. The sample included 118 (64.5%) women. Breast cancer and multiple myeloma were the most common underlying diseases, and 50 patients received oral bisphosphonates for osteoporosis. Dental extractions (69.4%) and mandibular location (74.3%) predominated. The only two variables influencing the possibility of necrotic bone exposure were intravenous bisphosphonate administration and the presence of an intraoral fistula (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Intravenous bisphosphonate use and intraoral fistula presence were associated with a major predisposition to bone exposure in patients with BRONJ (AU)

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Use of autologous platelet-rich plasma in complete cleft palate repair.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Evaluate the effect of topical application of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in primary repair of complete cleft palate and then compare the result with another group of patients using the same surgical technique, without application of PRP with regard to the incidence of oronasal fistula, velopharyngeal closure, and grade of nasality. STUDY DESIGN: Case control study. METHODS: This study was carried on 44 children with complete cleft palate with age range from 12 to 23 months. The children were divided into two age- and gender-matched groups: All children were subjected to the same technique of V-Y pushback repair of the complete cleft palate. In group A (22 children), the PRP prepared from the patient was topically applied between the nasal and oral mucosa layer during palatoplasty, whereas in group B (22 children) the PRP was not applied. RESULTS: All cases were recovered smoothly without problems. In group A, no oronasal fistula was reported, whereas in group B three patients (13.6%) had postoperative fistulae and two patients (9.1%) needed revision palatoplasty. At 6 months postoperative assessment, group A (with PRP application) showed significantly better grade of nasality (P = 0.024) and better endoscopic velopharyngeal closure (P = 0.016) than group B. CONCLUSION: Usage of autologous PRP in complete cleft palate repair is simple; effective; can decrease the incidence of oronasal fistula; and also significantly improves the grade of nasality and velopharyngeal closure, which decreases the need of further surgical intervention in cleft palate patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3b. Laryngoscope, 126:1524-1528, 2016.

Effects of Cleft Width and Veau Type on Incidence of Palatal Fistula and Velopharyngeal Insufficiency After Cleft Palate Repair.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative fistulae and velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) are 2 important complications after cleft palate repair. The effects of preoperative cleft width on outcomes after cleft palate repair have been rarely studied. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing primary cleft palatoplasty by a single surgeon between 2004 and 2011 was performed. Primary outcomes were palatal fistula and VPI, defined as the need for corrective surgery after failing conservative speech-language therapy. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the primary outcomes. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-seven patients (84 men and 93 women) were identified. Median age at repair was 10 months with median follow-up of 3.80 years. Preoperative cleft width was 10 mm or less for 72 (41%) patients, 11 to 14 mm for 54 (30%) patients, and 15 mm or greater for 51 (29%) patients. Palatal fistula was observed in 8 (4.5%) patients, but required surgical repair in only 2 (1.1%). Fistula was overall associated with Veau IV classification (odds ratio, 8.13; P < 0.01) but not with cleft width. Velopharyngeal insufficiency needing surgical intervention occurred in 9 patients (7.38% of patients older than 4 years) and was associated with increasing cleft width (odds ratio, 1.29; P = 0.011). Outcomes were similar for patients undergoing surgery in the earlier and later halves of the study. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective review is one of the first from the United States to explore the associations between measured cleft width and outcomes after palatoplasty. Overall rates of palatal fistula and VPI were low, corroborating previous studies showing good outcomes with the 2-flap palatoplasty. After adjusting for multiple variables including Veau type, cleft width was associated with higher VPI rates but not with fistula formation. Cleft width is a unique preoperative factor that should be considered and studied as a potential predictor of outcomes.

Clinical Outcomes of Primary Palatal Surgery in Children with Nonsyndromic Cleft Palate with and without Lip.

This study presents clinical outcomes of primary cleft palate surgery, including rate of oronasal fistula development, rate of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) requiring secondary surgery, and speech outcomes. We examined the effect of cleft type on the clinical outcomes. Retrospective analysis was performed using clinical records of all patients who received a primary palatoplasty at the Cleft Palate Clinic at Seoul Asan Medical Center, South Korea, between 2007 and 2012. The study included 292 patients with nonsyndromic overt cleft palate (± cleft lip). The results revealed that the rate of oronasal fistula was 7.9% and the incidence of VPI based on the rate of secondary palatal surgery was 19.2%. The results showed that 50.3% of all the patients had received speech therapy and 28.8% and 51.4% demonstrated significant hypernasality and articulatory deficits, respectively. The results of the rate of VPI and speech outcomes were significantly different in terms of cleft type. Except for the rate of oronasal fistula, patients with cleft palate generally exhibited better clinical outcomes compared to those with bilateral or unilateral cleft lip and palate. This study suggests that several factors, including cleft type, should be identified and comprehensively considered to establish an optimal treatment regimen for patients with cleft palate.

Incidence of velopharyngeal insufficiency and oronasal fistulae after cleft palate repair: A retrospective study of children referred to Isfahan Cleft Care Team between 2005 and 2009.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) and fistulae development in patients seen by the Isfahan Cleft Care Team and also determine the association of gender, age at repair, and cleft type with the incidence of each. METHODS: This retrospective study was completed using records of patients referred to Isfahan Cleft Care Team between 2005 and 2009. One hundred thirty-one patients with a history of cleft palate (with or without cleft lip) who had undergone primary palate repair and were at least 4 years of age at the time of the speech evaluation were included in this review. The main outcome of this study was the incidence of fistulae and hypernasality following palatoplasty. A secondary outcome was the association of gender, age at the time of repair, and cleft type on the incidence of fistulae and hypernasality. RESULTS: A post-surgical fistula was present in 23.7% of the patients studied. Fistula rates were significantly higher in patients who had undergone repair of bilateral clefts of the lip and palate (40.9%) than for those patients who had undergone repair of a unilateral cleft lip and palate (16.9%) (p=0.02). Presence of a fistula was not associated with gender (p=0.99) or age at time of primary surgical repair (p=0.71). Mild hypernasality was noted in 15.3% of patients. Moderate or severe hypernasality was present in 66.5% of the patients and the remaining cases presented with normal resonance. Severe hypernasality was significantly higher in patients with a Veau IV type cleft as compared to patients with Veau III cleft types (p=0.04). There was a significantly higher incidence of hypernasality in boys than in girls (p<0.001). The association of age at the time of palatal repair and incidence of hypernasality was not significant (r=0.13, p=0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, post-surgical complications were high in this cohort of patients who had undergone cleft palate repair by Isfahan Cleft Care Team during the study time frame. Therefore, there is a high priority need for increased training of best practices for the surgeons.