Palatal fistulas have significant effects on quality of life. Traditional prosthetic
rehabilitation and surgical reconstruction of palate defects in radiation-naïve tissues
are well described. However, palatal fistulas developing after initial tumor extirpation,
free-flap reconstruction, and adjuvant radiation or chemoradiation are associated
with challenging secondary tissue effects. In this review, we will discuss the management
of palatal fistulas after surgical reconstruction and radiotherapy.
Keywords
palatal fistula - oronasal fistula - midface reconstruction - maxillary reconstruction
- radiotherapy complications - free-flap complications