Cleft Palatal Fistula: Perspectives on Management With Review of Literature

Abstract

The goals of cleft palate surgery are an effective barrier between the nasal and oral air passages leading to functional outcomes in terms of speech, feeding and hearing for the affected child. But unfortunately, these goals are sometimes not easily attained and complicated by Cleft Palate Fistulas (CPFs), which adversely affects not only the child but also the parents. The principles of cleft palate surgery include a two-layer, tension-free, watertight closure with preservation of the greater palatine neurovascular pedicle. This article aims to give a broad review of the current perspectives in the management of this distressing complication.