Intraoperative expansion of the palate by the tumescent technique

Intraoperative rapid expansion of soft tissue of the palate is reported. Tissue is recruited by repeated injections of an isotonic solution in a tumescent-like technique, thus producing increasing swelling of the palatal soft tissue. Straight direct closure of palatal clefts and fistulas is achieved with minimal scarring at the midline, no secondary healing of raw surfaces, and satisfactory and encouraging results.