Our Summary

This study looked at whether different surgical treatments for children with a cleft lip and palate affected the children’s ability to pronounce consonants at age 5. The study involved three different surgical methods and included 448 children from five different countries. The researchers found that one surgical method resulted in slightly better consonant pronunciation than the others. They also found that girls generally had better pronunciation scores than boys. The study also examined the number of additional surgeries and speech therapy sessions required, which varied depending on the initial surgery.

FAQs

  1. What was the main focus of the study on children with cleft lip and palate?
  2. Did the type of surgical method used impact a child’s ability to pronounce consonants at age 5?
  3. Was there a difference in pronunciation scores between boys and girls in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about cleft palate surgery is to follow up with speech therapy after the surgery to improve speech and language development. This can help the child overcome any speech difficulties that may arise as a result of the cleft palate repair. Additionally, regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon and speech therapist are important to monitor the child’s progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended cleft palate surgery are infants and children with a cleft lip and/or palate. Cleft lip and palate are congenital conditions where there is a gap or opening in the lip and/or palate, which can affect a child’s ability to eat, speak, and breathe properly. Surgery is usually recommended early in life to close the gap and improve the child’s quality of life. Additional surgeries and speech therapy may be required to address any speech difficulties that may arise as a result of the cleft palate.

Timeline

Before cleft palate surgery:

  1. Diagnosis of cleft lip and/or palate during prenatal ultrasound or shortly after birth
  2. Consultation with a team of specialists including a pediatrician, surgeon, speech therapist, and orthodontist
  3. Pre-operative assessments and evaluations to determine the best treatment plan
  4. Pre-surgical appointments and discussions with the surgical team
  5. Preparation for surgery including fasting and instructions on post-operative care

After cleft palate surgery:

  1. Immediate recovery period in the hospital with monitoring by medical staff
  2. Pain management and medication to reduce discomfort
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgical team to monitor healing and address any concerns
  4. Speech therapy sessions to help improve communication and articulation skills
  5. Long-term follow-up care to monitor growth and development, and address any potential complications or additional surgeries needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the different surgical options available for cleft palate repair and what are the pros and cons of each?

  2. How long will the recovery process be after the surgery and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?

  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with cleft palate surgery?

  4. Will my child require additional surgeries or speech therapy sessions after the initial surgery?

  5. How will cleft palate surgery impact my child’s ability to speak and pronounce consonants in the long term?

  6. What is the success rate of cleft palate surgery in terms of improving speech and facial appearance?

  7. How soon after birth should cleft palate surgery be performed and what factors should be considered in determining the timing of the surgery?

  8. How experienced is the surgical team in performing cleft palate repairs and what is their success rate?

  9. What can I do to prepare my child for cleft palate surgery and help them through the recovery process?

  10. Are there any support groups or resources available for families of children undergoing cleft palate surgery?

Reference

Authors: Willadsen E, Lohmander A, Persson C, Lundeborg I, Alaluusua S, Aukner R, Bau A, Boers M, Bowden M, Davies J, Emborg B, Havstam C, Hayden C, Henningsson G, Holmefjord A, Hölttä E, Kisling-Møller M, Kjøll L, Lundberg M, McAleer E, Nyberg J, Paaso M, Pedersen NH, Rasmussen T, Reisæter S, Andersen HS, Schöps A, Tørdal IB, Semb G. Journal: J Plast Surg Hand Surg. 2017 Feb;51(1):38-51. doi: 10.1080/2000656X.2016.1254647. PMID: 28218556