Background: A lack of high-level evidence exists on the outcomes of different cleft palate repair techniques. A critical appreciation for the complication rates of common repair techniques is paramount to optimize cleft palate care.
Methods: A literature search was conducted for articles on the measurement of fistula and velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) rates following cleft palate repair. Study quality was determined using validated scales. The heterogeneity between studies was evaluated using the I2 statistic. Random-effect model analysis and forest plots were used to report pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals for treatment effect. P-values of 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: Of 2386 studies retrieved, 852 underwent screening and 227 met inclusion criteria (130 studies (57%) on fistulas and 122 studies (54%) on VPI). Meta-analyses were performed using 32 studies. The Furlow technique was associated with less postoperative fistulae than the von Langenbeck and Veau/Wardill/Kilner techniques (RR = 0.56 [0.39-0.79], p < 0.01 and RR = 0.25 [0.12-0.52], p < 0.01, respectively). One-stage repair was associated with less fistulae compared to two-stage repair (RR = 0.42 [0.19-0.96], p = 0.04). The Furlow repair was also associated with a less VPI than the Bardach palatoplasty (RR = 0.41 [0.23, 0.71], p < 0.01), and the one-stage repair was associated with a reduction in VPI rates compared to two-stage repair (RR = 0.55 [0.32, 0.95], p = 0.03).
Conclusion: The Furlow repair is associated with less risk of fistula formation than the von Langenbeck and Veau/Wardill/Kilner techniques and less VPI compared to the Bardach repair. One-stage repair is associated with less risk of fistula formation and VPI than two-stage repair.
Keywords: Cleft palate; Outcomes; Palatal fistula, velopharyngeal insufficiency, midface hypoplasia; Postoperative complications; Surgical technique.
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