Dorsal Tongue Flap: A Reliable Solution In Recalcitrant Secondary Palatal Fistulas

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy of Dorsal Tongue Flap in repair of palatal fistula in terms of
closure of fistula.
Material & Methods: It was a descriptive study which was carried out in the department of
plastic surgery, Services institute of Medical Sciences, Services Hospital Lahore over 12 months
from 16th July 2010 to 15th July 2011. Forty patients who were having recurrent palatal fistula
included in this study. All underwent palatal fistula repair by dorsal tongue flap. Each patient was
followed after one month of operation for fistula closure.
Results: In this study 65.0 percent of the patients were males. 21 (52.5%) of the patients
belonged to age group 10-15 years, while 14 (35.0%) of the respondents were 16-20 years of age
and remaining 5 (12.5%) of them were 21-30 years of age. 90 percent patients had overall efficacy
in terms of complete fistula closure.
Conclusion: Tongue flap is an effective and reliable treatment for palatal fistula closure in
recurrent and resistant cases.