Our Summary

The research paper discusses a medical case of a female patient who has an extra partial or whole copy of chromosome 17. This condition, known as trisomy 17, is associated with developmental delays, birth defects, and intellectual disabilities. In addition to these common symptoms, this particular patient also had a bilateral complete cleft lip and palate (BCLP), a condition in which the lip and the roof of the mouth are split.

The paper then goes on to detail the surgical procedures undertaken to correct the patient’s BCLP. First, they performed a surgery to reposition the premaxilla, the middle part of the upper jaw which was sticking out and affecting the lip and palate. Then, they performed a lip surgery (cheiloplasty). Four months later, they conducted a surgery to repair the cleft palate (palatoplasty).

The surgeries were successful in repositioning the premaxilla, improving the appearance of the lip, and ensuring the good health of the palate. The patient’s ability to eat and her facial appearance were greatly improved. However, the researchers note that they will need to monitor the patient to see how the surgeries affect her midface growth in the long term. Despite this, they believe that the immediate benefits of the surgery outweigh the potential future risk of the upper jaw moving backwards.

FAQs

  1. What is trisomy 17 and what are its common symptoms?
  2. What surgical procedures were undertaken to correct the patient’s bilateral complete cleft lip and palate (BCLP)?
  3. What were the outcomes of the surgeries and what are the future considerations for the patient?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient undergoing cleft lip repair is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include keeping the surgical site clean, avoiding certain foods or activities that could disrupt healing, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. By following these instructions, patients can help ensure the best possible outcome from their cleft lip repair surgery.

Suitable For

Patients with cleft lip and palate are typically recommended cleft lip repair surgery to improve their appearance, speech, and ability to eat. These patients may have a unilateral or bilateral cleft lip, meaning the cleft is only on one side or both sides of the lip, respectively. Patients with a cleft lip and palate may also have a cleft in the roof of the mouth, which can affect their ability to eat and speak properly.

In addition to improving the physical appearance of the lip and palate, cleft lip repair surgery can also help prevent issues such as dental problems, speech difficulties, and ear infections. Patients with cleft lip and palate may also require additional surgeries, such as bone grafting or orthognathic surgery, to correct the alignment of the upper jaw and improve facial symmetry.

Overall, cleft lip repair surgery is recommended for patients with cleft lip and palate to improve their quality of life and ensure proper facial development. It is important for these patients to work closely with a team of healthcare professionals, including plastic surgeons, speech therapists, and orthodontists, to address all aspects of their condition and provide comprehensive care.

Timeline

Before cleft lip repair:

  • Patient is born with a bilateral complete cleft lip and palate (BCLP)
  • Patient may experience difficulty feeding, speech problems, and dental issues
  • Patient may face social stigma and psychological challenges due to facial deformity

After cleft lip repair:

  • Surgical procedures such as repositioning the premaxilla, lip surgery, and cleft palate repair are performed
  • Patient undergoes post-operative care and recovery
  • Patient experiences improved facial appearance, better ability to eat and speak, and improved overall quality of life
  • Long-term monitoring is required to assess the impact of surgeries on midface growth and potential future risks

Overall, cleft lip repair surgery can greatly benefit patients with BCLP, improving their physical and emotional well-being.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about cleft lip repair include:

  1. What are the risks and benefits of cleft lip repair surgery for my specific case?
  2. How many surgeries will be needed to fully repair the cleft lip and palate?
  3. What is the expected timeline for recovery and follow-up care after the surgery?
  4. Will there be any long-term effects or complications from the surgery?
  5. How will the surgery impact my child’s ability to eat, speak, and breathe?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options or non-surgical interventions that could be considered?
  7. What can I do to prepare my child for the surgery and help them recover afterwards?
  8. Will my child need ongoing therapy or support after the surgery to address any speech or developmental issues?
  9. What is the experience and success rate of the surgical team in performing cleft lip repair surgeries?
  10. Are there any resources or support groups available for families of children with cleft lip and palate?

Reference

Authors: Bangun K, Halim J, Tania V. Journal: Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2023 May;60(5):621-626. doi: 10.1177/10556656211069820. Epub 2021 Dec 30. PMID: 34967231