Abstract Background Primary palatoplasty aims to restore normal velopharyngeal function. This study reviewed palatoplasty outcomes in Hong Kong paediatric surgical centres. Methods A retrospective multi‐centre study was conducted across three Hong Kong paediatric surgical centres from June 2010 to December 2023. Patient demographics, cleft palate types and risk factors for adverse outcomes including oronasal fistula (ONF) and velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) requiring surgery were analysed. Results A total of 402 patients underwent primary palatoplasty using Furlow ( n = 257) or modified von Langenbeck (VLB) ( n = 145) techniques were included at median age 12 months (range 9–187 months). The median follow‐up time was 84 months. ONF occurred in 35 patients (8.7%), with 13 (3.2%) requiring surgical repair. VPI surgery was performed in 25 patients (6.2%). No statistical difference in ONF and VPI surgery rates existed between Furlow and VLB groups. There was no risk factors identified to be related to ONF or VPI requiring surgery. Conclusions Excellent outcomes were observed after primary palatoplasty in Hong Kong paediatric surgical centres, with a low incidence of ONF and VPI surgery. No significant difference existed between Furlow and VLB outcomes.
Lee et al. (Tue,) studied this question.