Cleft palate is one of the most common birth defects that affect children in North America, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It can cause problems in breathing, feeding and learning to speak. Fortunately, cleft palate repair is done routinely throughout the United States and the world, restoring full function and good appearance to those children affected by the condition.
About Cleft Palate
A cleft palate occurs during fetal development when the parts the form the roof of the mouth and the upper lip fail to join properly. This defect causes a facial deformity, as well as a structural anomaly that that inhibits breathing, hearing, eating and speaking ability. Correction of the defect aids in normal physical and social development. Cleft lip may or may not be involved with a cleft palate defect. Correction may also involve dental restoration.
Cleft Palate Repairs
More than one surgery is often needed to correct the structural problems and to provide the best aesthetic appearance. A number of specialists are generally involved in the evaluation and repair of cleft palate conditions, including the plastic surgeon; pediatrician; pediatric dentist; ear, nose and throat specialist and speech therapist.
How Surgery Is Done
Cleft palate surgery is done under general anesthesia in a hospital facility. Cuts are made on either cut of the cleft which are then joined together with a special flab technique. The flaps are then stitched together to fully enclose the palate. Repair of both soft and hard tissues is involved in this surgery which generally takes between 2 to 6 hours. The child spends a few days in the hospital to ensure that no infection is present and is then released with instructions for home care. Treatment of cleft palate usually continues throughout the growing years of the child and can continue into adolescence and even adulthood. Additional surgeries may be required to improve appearance. Generally, scars are placed where they cannot be seen, or in natural folds of the face. The scars fade over time and become barely noticeable.
Risks and Complications of Surgery
As with all surgeries, certain risks and complications can occur that may require additional medical procedures. Bleeding, infection, healing problems, scarring, nerve problems and effects of anesthesia are the most likely issues. Fortunately, these risks can be contained by following pre-surgery instructions, careful monitoring during the surgery itself and strict adherence to post-surgery recommendations. Thousands of cleft palate surgeries are done each other with excellent results.
