Medial Incision Palatoplasty Using Vomer Flap: A New Technique
摘要
The objective of the study was to develop a new technique of Palatoplasty using only a medial incision and closing the palatal defect using superiorly based vomer flap without raising the palatal flaps, even in cases of wide cleft.
MethodThis was a prospective study conducted at a Primary cleft Centre, involving 100 patients in the age group of 9 months to 4 years operated between April 2019 to Dec 2019 for both unilateral and bilateral Primary cleft of the palate. Only non-syndromic cases weighing above 8 kilograms with a Haemoglobin above 8gm/dl were included. The new technique was studied for duration of the surgery, haemorrhage, rate of palatal fistulas, flap breakdown and flap necrosis.
ResultsThe average operating time was 47 min, the average blood loss was 15 ml, the percentage of fistulas was 12 percent and the total breakdown of the vomer flap was seen in 3 percent.
DiscussionThis technique combines minimal hard palate dissection with repositioning the velar musculature and tensor tenotomy. The repair was performed under 4 x magnifications by a single surgeon.
ConclusionsThis new technique can address the issues of maxillary growth, although, the percentages of palatal fistulas were on the higher side, they were small in size and could be closed easily with the existing vomer flap. There was no pedicle damage or flap necrosis.