Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Gaessler, J.
Mind the Gap: Retrospective Analysis of the Incidence of Oronasal Fistulas Following Primary Cleft Palate Repair - a Single-Center Experience
Zahnmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Medizinische Universität Graz; 2023. pp. 102
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Schwaiger Michael
- Zemann Wolfgang
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Introduction: Orofacial clefts represent the most common congenital craniofacial anomaly and include cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) and isolated cleft palate (CP). Palatal clefts can cause extensive functional problems and should therefore be ideally corrected prior to completion of the first year of life. Quality indicators of primary palatoplasty include speech development, midface growth, and oronasal fistula incidence. It was this study’s purpose to examine the current incidence of oronasal fistulas in Graz. Materials and methods: All patients who underwent Sommerlad radical intravelar veloplasty (SR-IVVP) for primary CP repair at the local Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery were retrospectively examined. In addition to the assessment of the oronasal fistula incidence, secondary outcome measures such as duration of surgery or length of in-hospital stay were studied as well. Results: In total, 42 children (25 females, 17 males) underwent SR-IVVP for primary CP repair. Their median age at the time of surgery amounted to 10.9 months. Post-operative development of oronasal fistulas was observed in four children. Regarding their location, two fistulas formed at the junction between primary and secondary palate, one fistula was associated with the hard palate, and the last one was classified as labial-alveolar. Conclusion: SR-IVVP represents an effective technique for the surgical repair of CP. The oronasal fistula incidence which was observed in Graz corresponds to the published international standard.