The tongue and forehead flap in the closure of residual oronasal fistulae.

Some defects related to untreated palatal or residual clefts represent major deformities. A review of 177 cases, untreated or operated on according to Schwekkendiek's (1958) chronology, was carried out. The advantage of simultaneous operative techniques is discussed, specifically pharyngoplasties, vestibular flap rotation, and osteoplastic closure. When all other surgical possibilities have failed, some flaps have been used to restore mucosal continuity. A multidisciplinary evaluation of each individual case is emphasized.