Furlow technique for treatment of soft palate fistula

Fistula of the palate is a common complication of palatoplasty, it leads to nasal regurgitation of fluids and hypernasality of speech. Its treatment is technically difficult due to paucity and fibrosis of palatal tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of closure of soft palate fistula by using Furlow double opposing Z-palatoplasty.

Nineteen patients were subjected for repair of their soft palate fistulas using Furlow Z-plasty. Pre and postoperative speech analysis using auditory perceptual assessment, measurement of nasalance score using nasometric assessment, and measurement of velar movement using flexible nasopharyngoscopy were done.

All cases showed complete closure of their fistulas at first attempt, with no operative or postoperative complications. Recurrence was not recorded in any case after a follow up period of at least 12 months. Significant improvement of speech quality and nasalance score was achieved. Flexible nasopharyngoscopy showed postoperative increase in velar movement which was not significant relative to the preoperative records.

Treatment of soft palate fistula by using Furlow technique is an effective method as a primary treatment with a high success rate and a good functional outcome.