Ten Years Prevalence And Patterns of Palatal Fistula Following Primary Palate Repair at Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Date
2025-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Palatal fistula is a common complication following primary cleft palate repair, negatively impacting speech, swallowing, and quality of life. The incidence of palatal fistula varies significantly depending on surgical techniques, cleft severity, and perioperative care. However, there is limited data regarding the patterns and rates of palatal fistula in Ethiopia. This study aims to determine the rate of palatal fistula post-surgery at Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College, and assess the risk factors associated with their development
Methods: A hospital based retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of all patients who underwent primary cleft palate repair at Yekatit 12 Hospital from 2014 to 2024. A structured data abstraction form was used to collect the information on patient demographics, cleft characteristics, surgical techniques, and postoperative outcomes. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26, employing descriptive statistics to determine the palatal fistula rate.
Results: A total of 47 participants with documented fistula surgeries were included in the study. Of these, 51.1% were female, with a mean age of 12 years at the time of surgery. The majority (80.9%) presented with cleft lip and palate, and 55.3% underwent repair at Yekatit 12 Hospital. 53.2% of participants presented for fistula surgery within five years post-repair, with an average presentation of 6.6 years. Local flap techniques accounted for 59.6% of surgeries, while the Bardach palatoplasty was the most common surgical method performed for palate repair. Demographic factors, including age and sex, did not significantly correlate with fistula formation (p=0.11 and p=0.54, respectively).
Conclusion: This study highlights the need for ongoing evaluation and improved surgical techniques to reduce the incidence of palatal fistulas and enhance patient outcomes. Future research should focus on long-term follow-up and the effectiveness of various surgical interventions in mitigating complications associated with palatal repair.
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Cleft palate, palatal fistula, primary palate repair, Ethiopia, Yekatit 12 Hospital