Our Summary

Cleft lip and palate is one of the most common birth defects that requires surgery but is not life-threatening. In less developed countries, specialized surgical care for such conditions is often unavailable or insufficient. To help, various aid organizations have been conducting surgical aid missions for over 50 years. However, the lack of rules and instructions can sometimes lead to legal, ethical, and medical treatment standards being overlooked, which can harm the children involved.

To address this, the paper suggests principles and prerequisites for these surgical aid missions. The aim should not only be to help each individual child but also to treat the whole problem and to train local staff so they can carry out surgeries themselves in the future, making these aid missions unnecessary.

While these surgical aid missions have been successful in treating hundreds of thousands of children and adults with a cleft lip and palate, the paper points out that they often neglect to develop local structures and skills sustainably. The paper also highlights the urgent need for general guidelines for surgical aid missions in less developed countries.

FAQs

  1. What are the potential issues with surgical aid missions for cleft lip and palate in less developed countries?
  2. What does the paper suggest to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of surgical aid missions?
  3. Why is there a need for general guidelines for surgical aid missions in less developed countries?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cleft palate surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include taking prescribed medications, keeping the surgical site clean, avoiding certain foods or activities, attending follow-up appointments, and following any recommended speech or feeding therapy. By following these instructions, patients can help ensure the best possible outcome and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended cleft palate surgery include infants and children born with cleft lip and/or cleft palate, as well as adults who may not have had the opportunity to undergo corrective surgery earlier in life. Cleft palate surgery is usually recommended to improve the appearance of the face, speech, and feeding ability of the patient. It is important for patients to undergo surgery at a young age to prevent potential complications and to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Timeline

Before cleft palate surgery:

  • Patient is born with a cleft lip and/or palate, which can cause difficulties with feeding, speech, and hearing.
  • Patient may undergo evaluations by a multidisciplinary team to assess the severity of the cleft and plan for surgical intervention.
  • Patient may receive counseling and support to prepare for the surgery and post-operative care.

After cleft palate surgery:

  • Patient undergoes cleft palate surgery to repair the separation in the roof of the mouth.
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort after the surgery, which can be managed with medication.
  • Patient may require a follow-up appointment with the surgical team to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  • Patient may undergo speech therapy and other interventions to address any speech or feeding difficulties resulting from the cleft palate.
  • Patient may require additional surgeries or interventions as they grow and develop to address any issues related to the cleft palate.

Overall, the goal of cleft palate surgery is to improve the patient’s quality of life by addressing the physical and functional challenges associated with the condition.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  2. What is the expected outcome of the surgery in terms of speech, feeding, and appearance?

  3. How many surgeries will be needed to fully correct the cleft palate?

  4. What is the recovery process like after cleft palate surgery, and how long will it take for the patient to fully recover?

  5. Will additional therapies or treatments be needed after the surgery, such as speech therapy or orthodontic treatment?

  6. What experience does the surgeon have in performing cleft palate surgeries, and what is their success rate?

  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider for cleft palate, and what are the pros and cons of each option?

  8. How will the cleft palate surgery impact the child’s development and overall quality of life in the long term?

  9. How can the patient and their family prepare for the surgery and support the child during the recovery process?

  10. Are there any financial assistance programs or resources available to help cover the costs of cleft palate surgery and related treatments?

Reference

Authors: Sader R, Gils A, Klos M. Journal: Chirurgie (Heidelb). 2025 Mar;96(3):184-193. doi: 10.1007/s00104-024-02208-5. Epub 2025 Jan 14. PMID: 39808187