Our Summary

This research paper looks at the differences between children who are Swedish-born and those who are internationally adopted when it comes to the condition of cleft lip and/or palate. The study found that internationally adopted children had a higher rate of cleft lip and/or palate, and this was particularly the case for boys. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups when it came to other concurrent medical conditions. The study also found that primary surgeries to repair the palate were performed later for internationally adopted children. Furthermore, these adopted children were more likely to require additional surgeries to improve speech and further repair the palate before they reached five years old.

FAQs

  1. Does the study find a higher rate of cleft lip and/or palate in internationally adopted children compared to Swedish-born children?
  2. Is there any difference in the time of performing primary surgeries to repair the palate between Swedish-born children and internationally adopted ones?
  3. Are internationally adopted children more likely to require additional surgeries to improve speech and further repair the palate?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cleft palate surgery is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. This may include keeping the surgical site clean, taking prescribed medications as directed, attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon, and following any dietary restrictions or activity limitations. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended cleft palate surgery include infants and children with cleft lip and/or palate deformities. These deformities can affect a child’s ability to eat, speak, and breathe properly. Surgery is often recommended to correct the cleft palate and improve the function and appearance of the affected area. Patients with cleft lip and/or palate may also require additional surgeries as they grow older to further improve speech and facial symmetry.

Timeline

Before cleft palate surgery:

  • Patient is born with a cleft palate, which may be detected during prenatal ultrasounds or diagnosed shortly after birth
  • Patient may experience feeding difficulties, speech delays, ear infections, and dental issues due to the cleft palate
  • Patient undergoes evaluations by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to determine the best course of treatment
  • Patient and their family receive counseling and support to prepare for the surgery

After cleft palate surgery:

  • Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to repair the cleft palate, which typically takes place within the first year of life
  • Patient may require additional surgeries in the future to improve speech, dental alignment, and aesthetics
  • Patient participates in speech therapy to address any speech delays caused by the cleft palate
  • Patient continues to receive follow-up care from their healthcare team to monitor their progress and address any potential complications
  • Patient and their family receive ongoing support and resources to help them navigate the challenges and adjustments that come with living with a cleft palate

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about cleft palate surgery may include:

  1. What is the recommended age for cleft palate surgery for my child?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with cleft palate surgery?
  3. How many surgeries will my child need to repair their cleft palate?
  4. What is the recovery process like after cleft palate surgery?
  5. Will my child need speech therapy or other interventions after cleft palate surgery?
  6. What long-term effects or complications should we be aware of after cleft palate surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that we should consider?
  8. What is the success rate of cleft palate surgery in terms of speech and facial appearance?
  9. How experienced is the surgical team in performing cleft palate surgeries?
  10. Are there any support groups or resources available for families going through cleft palate surgery?

Reference

Authors: Schölin JS, Rizell S, Paganini A, Mark H. Journal: J Plast Surg Hand Surg. 2023 Feb-Dec;57(1-6):354-359. doi: 10.1080/2000656X.2022.2097252. Epub 2022 Jul 8. PMID: 35801393