Persistent oronasal fistula after primary management of facial gunshot injuries

We present our experience of treating 42 young men with facial gunshot injuries, 9 of whom had associated palatal injuries. We attempted definitive treatment at the primary operation, but five patients with palatal injuries presented with oronasal fistula postoperatively and required secondary intervention. Three patients underwent surgical closure using palatal transposition flap, in all of whom it was successful. (c) 2006 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.