Use of cartilage grafts for closure of cleft palate fistulae

We describe the results of using a free cartilage graft in the closure of c left palate fistulae in 14 patients with a mean follow-up of 8.6 months. Co mplete closure of the fistula was achieved in 11 patients (79%), with parti al closure in the remaining three patients. This technique is simple, cause s relatively little discomfort, involves little tissue dissection and can b e performed as a day-case procedure. The success rate is comparable with or better than other methods, and we consider it the treatment of choice for small cleft palate fistulae. (C) 2000 The British Association of Plastic Su rgeons.