A modified approach for submucous cleft palate surgery: Minimal access palatoplasty

Abstract

A Submucous Cleft of the Palate presents a surgical challenge to improve function in an apparently normal area. Surgery itself should not add to the morbidity. Traditional approaches leave extensive or significant scarring and sometimes fistulae. A technique, termed as Minimal Access Palatoplasty (MAP) was designed to avoid these sequelae and facilitate surgery. 28 consecutive patients with submucous clefts were operated using this technique by a single surgeon over a period of 4 years. Patients were reviewed for surgical outcome. Follow up ranged from 4 weeks to 3 years. None of the patients had a fistula. Results are presented. This technique takes less time, is easy for even a novice and can be used in combination with Levator muscle dissection or Furlows technique as desired.

Keywords

• minimal access
• new approach
• submucous cleft palate