Our Summary

This research paper looks at the diagnosis of cleft palate only (CPO), a common birth defect, and finds that it is often diagnosed late. The average age of diagnosis was 1 year and 4 months, with almost 25% diagnosed after their first birthday, and over a third diagnosed more than 30 days after birth. The severity of the cleft influenced the timing of diagnosis, with more severe clefts being diagnosed earlier. The study suggests that health professionals should carry out more thorough checks of newborns’ mouths to detect CPO earlier. This is important because late diagnosis can lead to problems with feeding, speech, hearing, and social development.

FAQs

  1. What is the average age of diagnosis for cleft palate only (CPO)?
  2. How does the severity of the cleft influence the timing of diagnosis?
  3. Why is early diagnosis of cleft palate important?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cleft palate surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, such as fasting before the surgery and avoiding certain medications. It is also important to follow post-operative care instructions closely, including keeping the surgical site clean and avoiding certain foods that may irritate the area. Additionally, attending all follow-up appointments with the surgeon and speech therapist is crucial for monitoring healing and progress. And most importantly, have patience and be diligent with speech therapy to achieve the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended cleft palate surgery are those who have been diagnosed with a cleft palate, which is a common birth defect that affects the roof of the mouth. The severity of the cleft may influence the timing of the surgery, with more severe cases often requiring earlier intervention. Patients with a cleft palate may experience difficulties with feeding, speech, hearing, and social development, so surgery is often recommended to address these issues and improve overall quality of life. It is important for healthcare professionals to conduct thorough checks of newborns’ mouths to detect cleft palate early and recommend appropriate treatment.

Timeline

Before cleft palate surgery:

  • During pregnancy: The cleft palate may be detected during routine ultrasound scans.
  • At birth: The cleft palate may be immediately visible or diagnosed shortly after birth by a healthcare provider.
  • Infancy: The child may experience difficulties with feeding, speech development, and may have issues with ear infections due to the opening in the palate.

After cleft palate surgery:

  • The child undergoes cleft palate surgery, which typically takes place between 6-12 months of age.
  • Recovery time varies, but the child may need to stay in the hospital for a few days following the surgery.
  • Speech therapy and other interventions may be necessary to help the child with speech development and addressing any feeding difficulties.
  • The child will continue to be monitored by healthcare providers to ensure proper healing and development of the palate.
  • As the child grows, additional surgeries may be required to address any aesthetic or functional issues related to the cleft palate.
  • With proper care and intervention, the child can lead a normal, healthy life with minimal long-term effects from the cleft palate.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the recommended age for cleft palate surgery?

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

  3. How long is the recovery process after cleft palate surgery?

  4. Will my child need additional surgeries or treatments after the initial cleft palate surgery?

  5. How will cleft palate surgery affect my child’s speech development?

  6. What type of follow-up care will be necessary after cleft palate surgery?

  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to cleft palate surgery?

  8. How experienced is the surgical team in performing cleft palate surgeries?

  9. What can I expect in terms of long-term outcomes for my child following cleft palate surgery?

  10. Are there any specific steps I can take to help prepare my child for cleft palate surgery and the recovery process?

Reference

Authors: Hanny KH, de Vries IA, Haverkamp SJ, Oomen KP, Penris WM, Eijkemans MJ, Kon M, Mink van der Molen AB, Breugem CC. Journal: Eur J Pediatr. 2016 Jan;175(1):71-80. doi: 10.1007/s00431-015-2590-9. Epub 2015 Aug 1. PMID: 26231683