BUCCAL FAT PAD FLAP AS A LOW-TRAUMA METHOD FOR IMPROVING OUTCOMES IN WIDE CLEFT PALATE SURGERY IN INFANTS

Аннотация

This study evaluates the effectiveness of using a buccal fat pad flap in the surgical correction of wide cleft palates in children. The technique aims to reduce postoperative complications such as oronasal fistulas, scar contractures, velopharyngeal insufficiency, and midface hypoplasia. Surgical outcomes were analyzed in patients aged 9 months to 2 years, with a focus on the optimal age of 1.5 years. The results demonstrate high effectiveness of the method due to the flap’s rich vascularity, pliability, and low trauma. The use of the buccal fat pad flap significantly improves both anatomical and functional outcomes of cleft palate repair. Keywords cleft palate, buccal fat pad, fistula, velopharyngeal insufficiency, palate repair, facial surgery, midface hypoplasia, postoperative complications Relevance Cleft palate repair in children remains one of the most challenging tasks in reconstructive surgery. Major postoperative complications include the formation of oronasal fistulas and excessive scarring, which may lead to facial deformities and impaired function. Wide clefts present an even greater challenge, as conventional closure techniques often result in excessive tissue tension and subsequent dehiscence. The buccal fat pad flap has emerged as a promising method due to its soft texture, excellent vascularity, and ability to fill defects without creating tension. This study is highly relevant in the context of improving surgical outcomes in children with congenital anomalies. It addresses the need for reliable, low-risk techniques that minimize the need for reoperations and optimize long-term functional and aesthetic results. The method has the potential to become a standard in treating complex cleft palate cases, particularly in young children at the optimal age for repair. Research Aim To justify the use of the buccal fat pad flap in correcting wide cleft palates in children to prevent fistula formation, scar contracture, velopharyngeal insufficiency, and midface hypoplasia.