Successfully Closing an Acquired Palatal-fistula Using a Turnover Flap from a Previously Transferred Forearm-free-flap

Summary: Palatal fistula between the oral and nasal cavities occurs in about 20% of palatal repairs after oncologic resection. Although healing by secondary intention may be employed as an initial strategy, persistent nonhealing symptomatic fistula necessitates intervention. Folded free flap used for primary repair of palatectomy defects enables placement of epithelialized tissue on both the oral and nasal cavities. In case of acquired palatal fistula, a turnover flap can be easily created, based on the free margin of the folded forearm free flap to serve as a reconstructive lifeboat.