Oronasal fistula repair.

Abstract

Oronasal fistula is a relatively common complication associated with maxillary canine tooth extraction, problematic healing of maxillectomy, and repair of secondary cleft palate in small animals. Regardless of the clinical scenario associated with oronasal fistula, therapy requires surgical treatment. Principles for surgical repair of oronasal fistula include development of mucosal flaps with excellent vascular supply to transpose over the defect to restore continuity of the nasal and oral cavities. The specific surgical technique may vary but includes either single or double mucosal flaps. Oronasal fistula refractory to multiple attempts at surgical repair may be obturated by using a prosthodontic device.