Our Summary

The research paper looks at the main issues that can arise after orthognathic surgery in patients with cleft lip and palate. This is a type of surgery that corrects conditions of the jaw and face that can’t be easily treated with braces.

The researchers looked at six major databases and selected 11 studies that discussed complications after this type of surgery in patients with cleft lip and palate. These studies included a total of 629 patients who underwent the surgery, with the most common issue being a relapse of movement in 77 cases (about half of all complications).

Other, less common, problems included gum recession with root exposure, mobility of the premaxilla (the part of the jaw that holds the front teeth), bleeding during surgery, fistulas (abnormal connections between two parts of the body), infection, and issues with the velopharynx (the part of the throat where the soft palate and the throat meet).

The paper concludes that this type of surgery is generally safe for patients with cleft lip and palate, but there are more complications compared to patients without these conditions. The most common issue is relapse, and surgeons need to be aware of this and other potential complications, and work to reduce their impact on the patients. The researchers suggest that future studies should have more detailed methods, include a control group, and describe the criteria for reported complications and sample characteristics more clearly to provide higher-quality evidence.

FAQs

  1. What is the most common issue that can arise after orthognathic surgery in patients with cleft lip and palate?
  2. How does the rate of complications in cleft lip and palate patients compare to those without these conditions after orthognathic surgery?
  3. What are the recommendations given by the researchers for future studies on orthognathic surgery in patients with cleft lip and palate?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cleft palate surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include avoiding certain foods, practicing good oral hygiene, attending follow-up appointments, and taking prescribed medications as directed. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Typically, patients with cleft lip and palate who experience issues related to their jaw and face structure that cannot be corrected with braces are recommended for orthognathic surgery. This type of surgery can help improve the function and aesthetics of the jaw and face in these patients. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, including a plastic surgeon, orthodontist, speech therapist, and other specialists, to determine if they are good candidates for cleft palate surgery.

Timeline

Before cleft palate surgery:

  1. Diagnosis of cleft palate by a healthcare provider.
  2. Consultation with a team of specialists, including a plastic surgeon, orthodontist, speech therapist, and otolaryngologist.
  3. Preoperative appointments and evaluations to assess the patient’s overall health and readiness for surgery.
  4. Education and counseling for the patient and their family about the procedure, potential risks, and postoperative care.

After cleft palate surgery:

  1. Immediate postoperative care in the hospital, including monitoring for complications and pain management.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the surgical team to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  3. Speech therapy and other interventions to help the patient adapt to changes in their palate function.
  4. Long-term follow-up to monitor growth and development, address any potential complications, and make adjustments as needed.
  5. Continued support and resources for the patient and their family to navigate the physical and emotional challenges of living with a cleft palate.

Overall, the timeline for a patient with cleft palate surgery involves a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to care before and after the procedure to ensure the best possible outcomes for the patient.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with cleft palate surgery?
  2. How likely is it that I will experience a relapse of movement after surgery?
  3. How will the surgery impact my ability to speak and swallow?
  4. What is the expected recovery time after cleft palate surgery?
  5. Will I need additional surgeries or treatments after the initial cleft palate surgery?
  6. What are the long-term outcomes of cleft palate surgery?
  7. How experienced is the surgical team in performing cleft palate surgery?
  8. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions I should follow?
  9. How can I best prepare for cleft palate surgery, both physically and mentally?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options for cleft palate that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Zaroni FM, Sales PHDH, Maffìa F, Scariot R. Journal: J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2024 Dec;125(6):101795. doi: 10.1016/j.jormas.2024.101795. Epub 2024 Feb 8. PMID: 38340958