[Multilayer repair of palatal fistula with an interpositional collagen matrix].

OBJECTIVE

Palatal fistula after the repair of cleft palate appears in 7.7-35% of patients. We present two cases of palatal fistula, detailing a multi-layer repair with an interpositional collagen graft.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Patient 1: girl with a cleft palate operated using a Furlow technique. A reintervention was performed due to a Pittsburgh type III fistula. Patient 2: male with cleft palate operated using a Furlow technique. A reintervention was performed due to a type V fistula.

RESULTS

We used a multilayer repair with a local rotational flap and the interposition of a collagen matrix between the nasal and oral layers. The suture was reinforced with a fibrin hemostatic adhesive. No recurrence of the fistula after 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The three-layer closure is simple, safe, effective and avoids refistulizations. Interpositional grafts of a resorbable collagen membrane provide a "scaffold" for tissue growth, revascularization and epithelialization of the mucosa.