The use of decellularized dermal grafting (AlloDerm) in persistent oro-nasal fistulas after tertiary cleft palate repair

To assess the efficacy of decellularized dermal grafting as an adjunct to the closure of recurrent oro-nasal fistulas. Five consecutive patients with recurrent oro-nasal fistulas were repaired with decellularized dermal grafting sandwiched between oral and nasal flaps of a von Langenbeck palatal repair. All patients had previously undergone a minimum of three prior palatal repairs with the recurrence of their oro-nasal fistula in the post-alveolar area. Decellularized dermal graft was placed between the nasal mucosa and the levator veli palatine muscle. Patients were followed postoperatively and assessed for infection, dehiscence, signs of rejection, and fistula recurrence. All patients were followed for an average of three months. Clinical examination revealed no recurrence of their oro-nasal fistula nor associated symptoms of nasal reflux. Decellularized dermal grafts were not rejected nor extruded from the site of surgical repair. Decellularized dermal graft should be considered for use in the treatment of recurrent oro-nasal fistula after cleft palate repair. We would also like to encourage further clinical study.