Use of Tongue Flap in Anterior Palatal Fistula Repair: A Case Report

Case DesCriptionA 9-year-old child reported to the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry with the chief complaint of opening in the palate and regurgitation of liquids through the nose.On eliciting the history, at birth, the child had unilateral cleft lip and palate.He was operated for cleft lip at 9 months and cleft palate at 18 months of age.After 2 years of primary closure of the palate, the parents noted a small fistula in the anterior part of the hard palate, which increased to the present size.There was nasal regurgitation on taking fluids for 2 years.Extraoral examination showed scarring of the left upper lip, deviated columella and nasal tip with bulging of the upper lip toward the right (noncleft side), mismatched level of the lower lateral cartilages, and widening of the nostril due to inadequate support on the side of the cleft.