Oronasal fistula (ONF) is the commonest complication associated with cleft palate
surgery. The main symptoms associated with ONF are nasal regurgitation of food matter
and hypernasality of voice. Repair of cleft palate under tension is considered to
be the main reason of ONF though vascular accidents and infection can also be the
cause. Most of the ONFs are situated in the hard palate or at the junction of hard
and soft palate. Repair of ONF depends on its site, size and mode of presentation.
A whole spectrum of surgical procedures starting from small local flaps to microvascular
tissue transfers have been employed for closure of ONF. Recurrence rate of ONF is
25% on an average after the first attempt of repair.
KEY WORDS
Cleft palate - Oronasal fistula - Palatal fistula