Primary Palatoplasty for Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Using Mucosal Grafts and Flaps

Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2015 Sep;52(5):532-42. doi: 10.1597/13-323. Epub 2015 Apr 6.

Abstract

The mucosal graft and flaps method (MG method) is a palatoplasty technique that was developed for the purpose of improving maxillary growth in patients with cleft palate. In the MG method, full-thickness buccal mucosa is grafted onto the raw surface created by pushback palatoplasty. The method is unlikely to result in severe scarring and has a favorable effect on maxillary growth. In addition, it is unlikely to result in oronasal fistula and provides good speech results. Overall, postive long-term treatment results have been obtained. Although the MG method is technically difficult and requires a lengthy surgery, the technique is considered to be effective for palate closure in terms of speech and maxillary growth.

Keywords: cleft lip and palate; mucosal grafts and flaps; palatoplasty.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cleft Lip / surgery*
  • Cleft Palate / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mouth Mucosa / transplantation*
  • Surgical Flaps*
  • Treatment Outcome