A T-shaped musculomucosal buccal flap method for cleft palate surgery

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Craniofacial Surgery
• Speech Pathology

Background:

• Cleft palate surgery aims for velopharyngeal closure and normal speech.
• Traditional mucoperiosteal flap pushback can cause fistulas and maxillary deformity, especially in wide clefts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel surgical technique for cleft palate repair.
• To minimize postoperative complications like fistulas and maxillary growth disturbance.
• To effectively reposition the levator muscle for improved speech outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Application of the Kaplan buccal flap method for nasal mucosa pushback and levator muscle sling reestablishment.
• Utilizing a second buccal flap to cover the hinged flap of pared cleft margins.
• The T-shaped buccal flap method was applied in over 30 patients with various cleft palates.

Main Results:

• The T-shaped buccal flap method resulted in satisfactory outcomes in over 30 patients.
• This technique demonstrated reduced disturbance of maxillary growth compared to traditional methods.
• Effective velopharyngeal closure and levator muscle repositioning were achieved.

Conclusions:

• The T-shaped buccal flap method is a viable and effective technique for cleft palate repair.
• This approach offers a promising alternative for minimizing surgical complications and preserving maxillary growth.
• Satisfactory speech and aesthetic results can be achieved with this innovative method.