Congenital fistula of the palate.

Four cases of congenital fistula of the palate are presented. All four patients had a fistula which was situated in the vault with a bifid uvula, submucous separation of the palatal muscles, deformities of the palatal plates and unilateral cleft lip. Velopharyngeal incompetence appeared in primarily treated children. The aetiology and surgical treatment of the congenital defect are discussed.