Use of cartilage grafts for closure of cleft palate fistulae.
We describe the results of using a free cartilage graft in the closure of cleft palate fistulae in 14 patients with a mean follow-up of 8.6 months. Complete closure of the fistula was achieved in 11 patients (79%), with partial closure in the remaining three patients. This technique is simple, causes relatively little discomfort, involves little tissue dissection and can be performed as a day-case procedure. The success rate is comparable with or better than other methods, and we consider it the treatment of choice for small cleft palate fistulae.
Jeffery
S L
SL
Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, West Sussex, UK.
Boorman
J G
JG
Dive
D C
DC
D000293:Adolescent; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D002356:Cartilage / Q000637:transplantation; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000601:surgery*; D005402:Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000601:surgery; D009668:Nose Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D016155:Oral Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D013060:Speech