An oronasal fistula is a possible complication following surgical repair of a cleft palate. It may be associated with poor speech if not repaired.
Patient selection: cleft palate
The primary risk factor for fistula development is the severity of the cleft:
(1) The greatest risk is seen with Veau type IV (bilateral cleft)..
(2) A lower risk is seen with Veau type III.
Other factors implicated in some studies but not in others:
(1) type of palatoplasty (Wardill-type highest)
(2) older age at repair
A common site for the fistula is at the junction of soft and hard palate.
Following repair of the fistula there is a risk of recurrence.
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Specialty: Otolaryngology
