Led by Dr. Josep Rubio & Dr. Jordan W. Swanson

Palatal oronasal fistulae are a troublesome complication of cleft palate repair. The extent of the fistula may range from a mere pinhole to near complete breakdown of the repair. These may cause minimal or no symptoms to gross nasal regurgitation or nasal air escape resulting in difficulties in deglutition and speech.

The commonest cause of palatal fistula is poor technique of cleft palate repair. This may include inadequate mobilisation of oral or nasal layer or both or inadvertent vascular injury. The latter often manifests as large anterior palatal fistulae when the greater palatine vessels are damaged. Another commonly encountered problem is junctional fistulas caused by tight closure.

All fistulae except for small anterior fistulae across the alveolar arch need to be closed in two layers. While most fistulae can be surgically closed with adjacent palatal tissue, larger ones may need tissue imported from the tongue, buccal mucosa or elsewhere.

The nasal lining can usually be approximated by dissecting mucosa from the lateral nasal walls with a water-tight seal. The oral lining however is limited. When local tissue is inadequate, depending on the site and size of the fistula, it may require tissue from the buccal mucosa, tongue or pharynx. Exceptional cases may require temporalis muscle or even free tissue transfer from remote locations.

Cleft professionals now have the opportunity to explore and learn the latest buccal flap techniques for a variety of applications, including primary cleft palate repair, secondary cleft palate revision, velopharyngeal insufficiency, and more. The first-ever buccal flap simulation workshop is set to revolutionize palatal repair procedures, offering a transformative experience for participants

Key highlights:

Learn from Industry Experts

Renowned experts in the field of palatal repair will be leading the exclusive event, providing attendees with invaluable insights into mastering buccal flap procedures. With years of experience, these industry professionals will impart their knowledge to empower cleft professionals.

Practical Experience

At the workshop, attendees will get the opportunity to gain hands-on training on advanced simulation models. The practical experience ensures that participants can implement the techniques effectively in their real-world medical procedures. With personalized guidance from the experts, each participant can refine their skills and overcome any challenges they might encounter.

For more information
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