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

ABSTRACT

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.