Early non-surgical closure of postoperative palatal fistulae

Ten of 11 patients who developed oronasal fistulae subsequent to palatoplasty and/or pharyngeal flap operation obtained complete physiological closure of the fistula by using a vinyl palatal appliance for a two to three month period. All these fistulae were diagnosed within 10 days to two weeks after the surgery, and the appliance therapy was started immediately. We believe this treatment to be an effective, uncomplicated method for non-surgical closure of recent postoperative oronasal fistulae.