Our Summary

This research paper is about a new method to repair a specific type of birth defect, known as unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), where a child is born with a split in their lip and the roof of their mouth on one side. This new approach stitches the wound in a continuous circle, in two layers, during one surgery. The researchers wanted to see if this method could heal the wound without forming any abnormal connections or holes (fistulas), and if it could be done safely.

The study looked back at medical records of 11 patients who had this type of surgery between 2016 and 2018. The surgery was performed when the children were 8-9 months old. The results showed that the wounds healed completely in all patients and no fistulas were formed. The patients stayed in the hospital for about 5 days after the operation, and there were no serious complications during or after the surgery.

The size of the cleft (split) in the palate also decreased significantly from the time of birth to the day of surgery, which suggests that this new method could be effective. However, this is still a preliminary study, and more research is needed to confirm that this method doesn’t have any significant negative effects, such as inhibiting the growth of the upper jaw. The study is registered in clinicaltrials.gov with the identifier NCT04108416.

FAQs

  1. What is the new method to repair unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP)?
  2. What were the results of the study on this new cleft lip repair method?
  3. Are there any potential negative effects of this new method for cleft lip repair?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cleft lip repair is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include keeping the surgical site clean, taking prescribed medications as directed, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon. Additionally, it is important to avoid putting pressure on the repaired area and to avoid activities that could disrupt the healing process. By following these instructions, patients can help promote successful healing and optimal outcomes following cleft lip repair surgery.

Suitable For

Patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) are typically recommended for cleft lip repair surgery. This includes children who are born with a split in their lip and the roof of their mouth on one side. The surgery is usually performed when the child is around 8-9 months old. It is important to repair the cleft lip to improve facial appearance, speech development, and feeding abilities.

Timeline

Before cleft lip repair:

  • Diagnosis of unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) at birth
  • Monitoring of the cleft size and development of the child
  • Preparation for surgery, including consultations with surgeons and medical team
  • Nutritional support and specialized feeding techniques to ensure proper nutrition
  • Psychological support for the family and child

After cleft lip repair:

  • Surgery performed at 8-9 months of age
  • Healing process begins, with the wound stitched in a continuous circle in two layers
  • Hospital stay for about 5 days for monitoring and post-operative care
  • Follow-up appointments with surgeons to monitor healing and development
  • Speech therapy and other interventions as needed to address any speech or feeding difficulties
  • Monitoring of potential complications, such as fistulas or inhibiting growth of the upper jaw
  • Long-term follow-up to ensure proper growth and development of the child’s face and mouth

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about cleft lip repair using this new method include:

  1. How does this new method differ from traditional cleft lip repair techniques?
  2. What are the potential benefits of using this new method for cleft lip repair?
  3. Are there any potential risks or complications associated with this new method?
  4. How long is the recovery process expected to be following surgery with this new method?
  5. Will additional surgeries or treatments be needed in the future after undergoing cleft lip repair with this new method?
  6. How will this new method impact the long-term outcomes for my child’s cleft lip and palate?
  7. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions or precautions that need to be followed with this new method?
  8. What is the success rate of this new method compared to traditional cleft lip repair techniques?
  9. Are there any ongoing research studies or clinical trials related to this new method for cleft lip repair?
  10. How experienced is the surgical team in performing cleft lip repair using this new method?

Reference

Authors: Benitez BK, Brudnicki A, Surowiec Z, Singh RK, Nalabothu P, Schumann D, Mueller AA. Journal: J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2022 Jan;50(1):76-85. doi: 10.1016/j.jcms.2021.07.002. Epub 2021 Aug 3. PMID: 34896005