title: Three-layer oronasal fistula repair with sandwiched mastoid fascia graft.
abstract: Oronasal fistula can cause speech problems, hearing loss, velopharyngeal insufficiency, and social problems related with fetor oris and oronasal fluid leakage. The purpose of this study was to achieve 3-layer closure with autogenous mastoid fascia graft in a group of patients with recalcitrant oronasal fistulas.Sixteen patients, aged between 2 and 56 years (mean, 13.9 y), with recalcitrant palatal fistula were operated on and included into the study in a tertiary clinic. Nine patients had previous fistula repairs. The patients' mean follow-up period was 6.8 months.Fistula closure was obtained in 14 of 16 patients. All 2 failures had type IV + V fistulas according to Pittsburgh Classification. A 3-layer technique for the closure of fistulas with autogenous mastoid fascia graft allows three-dimensional repair of the defect without tension. Using mastoid fascia via postauricular sulcus incision is a good alternative regarding hiding incision scars and not requiring intraoperative repositioning.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical School, Hacettepe University, Samanpazari, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Gökhan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tunçbilek
authors.forename: Ersoy
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Konaş
authors.forename: Aycan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kayikçioğlu
authors.forename: Emin M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Mavili
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005205:Fascia / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008416:Mastoid / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009668:Nose Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D016155:Oral Fistula / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome