Use of vomer flap in palatoplasty: revisited.
OBJECTIVE
To present a new comprehensive and simple classification of vomerine flaps for palatoplasty.


METHODS
This classification has been developed on the basis of a literature search and our clinical experience. The vomerine flaps have been classified into three types, each with A and B subtypes.


METHODS
Vomerine tissue has been used in more than 1000 palatoplasties over the past 17 years. The analysis includes 678 cleft palate patients for whom detailed records were available. Type II-A vomerine flaps were used most commonly in unilateral cleft palate patients, whereas Type II-B1 flaps were used in bilateral cleft palate patients.


RESULTS
The overall fistula rate at the hard and soft palate junction was 2.95%. Although facial growth pattern was not recorded, obvious midface growth abnormalities were not observed in any of these patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Vomerine tissue is available in the vicinity of the palatal defect. Raising of the vomerine flap is simple and safe. If properly designed, it can be used judiciously for closure of the nasal and oral defects in the cleft palate. We have used these flaps only to augment the nasal mucosal defect. This comprehensive classification will be useful in understanding, designing, and implementing these small, but very important, flaps.
Agrawal
Karoon
K
Department of Plastic Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, India. karoonaparna@eth.net
Panda
Kasi Nath
KN
D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000601:surgery; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000637:transplantation*; D016155:Oral Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D021362:Palate, Hard / Q000601:surgery; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000601:surgery*; D010521:Periosteum / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000145:classification*