Exoscope-Assisted Palatoplasty in Klippel-Feil Syndrome: A Case Report

Cleft palate (CP) is a congenital malformation that may be associated with cervical vertebral anomalies (CVA), potentially complicating surgical management due to limited neck mobility and consequent reduction in oral cavity exposure and surgical accessibility. We report an exoscope-assisted palatoplasty in a patient with Klippel-Feil syndrome. The patient presented with C4-C6 vertebral fusion and cervical hyperostosis which precluded cervical hyperextension. The use of a three-dimensional (3D) exoscope enabled optimal visualization of the surgical field despite maintenance of a neutral head position. Palatoplasty was completed uneventfully in 80 min, with satisfactory healing and no palatal fistula at 10-month follow-up.