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Use of the palatal flap for closure of an oronasal fistula.

Garner JM, Wein RO

Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216-4505, USA. jmgarner@ent.umsmed.edu

Palatal obturators are frequently used in the initial treatment of postoperative palatal fistulae to address the associated problems experienced with speech and swallowing. Many reconstructive surgical techniques for palatal defects have been reported. Although palatal-based flaps are less frequently reported, they can offer a relatively simple reconstructive option with minimal morbidity in patients with acquired palatal defects. We present a case report of a patient requiring reconstruction of a midline oronasal fistula after resection of a palatal malignancy and review the literature concerning this technique.

Published 26 June 2006 in Am J Otolaryngol, 27(4): 268-70.
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