Craniofacial Surgery

Cleft Lip And Palate Surgery

The incomplete or abnormality in the formation of the upper lip /cleft lip or roof of the mouth/cleft palate can occur individually, or both defects may occur together. Cleft palate is a congenital deformity that causes a multitude of problems and represents a special challenge to the medical community. Special care is needed for patients with cleft palate. Speech production, feeding, maxillofacial growth, and dentition are just a few important developmental stages that may be affected. The conditions can vary in severity and may involve one or both sides of the face.

Multiple specialists make up the team that works together to improve the quality of life for patients with cleft palate. Otolaryngologists, oromaxillofacial surgeons, plastic surgeons, nutritionists, and speech pathologists are just a few of the members of the team. Psychological effects on both the patient and the parents are important aspects that also need to be addressed. A significant number of patients with cleft palate have associated syndromes that may result in cardiac, limb, or other system defects. Although cleft palate deformity was described hundreds of years ago, to this day, no agreed-upon management algorithm exists for patients with cleft palate. See the image below.