The use of heterogeneous acellular dermal matrix in the closure of hard palatal fistula

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of closure of hard palatal fistula using Heal-All (R) Oral Biofilm, a heterogeneous acellular dermal matrix graft. Patients and methods: Superior lip mucosal or myomucosal flap and buccal myomucosal flap were used in 20 patients (group 1) (2000-2005); whereas, heterogeneous acellular dermal matrix graft was performed in 18 patients (group 2) (2005-2013). The recurrence in the closed fistula and the obliteration of gingivolabial and gingivobuccal sulci were seen postoperatively with follow-up appointments at 1-3 months for all cases. Results: The recurrence rate of hard palatal fistula has been reduced from 25 to 11.1% with the use of heterogeneous acellular dermal matrix graft, and the rate of the obliteration of gingivolabial and gingivobuccal sulci has been decreased from 90 to 5.5%. Conclusions: Closure of hard palatal fistula using Heal-All (R) Oral Biofilm graft is a useful method with high success rate. It is a day-case procedure especially to avoid dividing the pedical of the flap after follow-up, and the gingivolabial and gingivobuccal sulci do not need further procedures to deep with follow-up. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.