Head & neck
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The maxillary swing procedure has been used as an anterolateral approach to expose the nasopharynx, the central skull base, and its vicinity. The reported incidence of postoperative palatal fistula has ranged from 20% to 25%. The oronasal incompetence especially associated with a large fistula has adversely affected normal speech, eating, and swallowing functions. We describe a modified palatal incision to reduce the incidence of palatal fistula associated with the maxillary swing procedure. ⋯ The modified palatal incision as described has effectively prevented palatal fistula formation after the maxillary swing procedure.