Our Summary

This research paper was a broad study into how often babies are born with cleft lips and/or palates, which are conditions where the lip or roof of the mouth don’t form properly during pregnancy. These conditions can cause issues with speech, hearing, nutrition, and mental and social development. The researchers looked at a large number of studies conducted between January 2000 and June 2020, and analyzed the data using a specific type of software.

They found that, out of every 1000 babies born, around 0.33 have a cleft palate, 0.3 have a cleft lip, and 0.45 have both a cleft lip and palate. This shows that these conditions are quite common, and the researchers suggest that health policymakers should take steps to both prevent these conditions and to treat them effectively when they do occur.

FAQs

  1. What are the potential issues caused by cleft lips and/or palates in babies?
  2. What was the frequency of babies born with cleft lips and/or palates according to the study?
  3. What recommendations did the researchers make based on their findings about the prevalence of cleft lips and/or palates?

Doctor’s Tip

One 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 minimize the risk of complications. This may include keeping the surgical site clean, avoiding certain foods or activities that could disrupt healing, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. It’s also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended cleft palate surgery are infants and children who are diagnosed with cleft lip and/or palate. The surgery is usually recommended early in life, often within the first year, to help improve feeding, speech development, and overall quality of life. In some cases, adults may also undergo cleft palate surgery to improve speech or appearance.

Patients with cleft lip and/or palate may also require additional surgeries or treatments, such as orthodontic treatment, speech therapy, and hearing evaluations. The decision to recommend cleft palate surgery is typically made by a team of healthcare professionals, including plastic surgeons, otolaryngologists, speech therapists, and pediatricians, based on the individual patient’s needs and circumstances.

Timeline

Before cleft palate surgery, a patient typically undergoes a series of evaluations and consultations with various healthcare professionals, including a pediatrician, speech therapist, and plastic surgeon. These evaluations help determine the severity of the cleft palate and the best course of treatment.

After the decision is made to proceed with surgery, the patient and their family are educated about the procedure and what to expect before, during, and after the surgery. The surgery itself typically takes place when the patient is between 6 and 18 months old, depending on the individual case.

After the surgery, the patient may experience some discomfort, swelling, and difficulty eating and drinking for a few days. Pain medication and a special diet may be prescribed to help manage these symptoms. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon and speech therapist are scheduled to monitor the healing process and address any potential issues with speech development.

Over time, with the help of speech therapy and ongoing medical care, the patient’s speech and feeding abilities improve, and the appearance of the cleft palate becomes less noticeable. While the journey may be challenging, cleft palate surgery can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life and overall well-being.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  2. What is the success rate of cleft palate surgery in improving speech and feeding issues?

  3. How long is the recovery process after cleft palate surgery and what can be expected in terms of pain and discomfort?

  4. Will additional surgeries or treatments be needed in the future to address any cosmetic or functional issues related to the cleft palate?

  5. What is the long-term outlook for a child who undergoes cleft palate surgery in terms of speech development, hearing, and overall quality of life?

  6. Are there any specific dietary or lifestyle changes that need to be made before or after cleft palate surgery?

  7. How experienced is the surgical team in performing cleft palate surgeries, and what is their success rate?

  8. Are there any alternative treatment options or therapies that may be beneficial in conjunction with cleft palate surgery?

  9. How soon after birth should cleft palate surgery be performed, and what factors may influence the timing of the surgery?

  10. What resources are available for support and guidance for families before, during, and after cleft palate surgery?

Reference

Authors: Salari N, Darvishi N, Heydari M, Bokaee S, Darvishi F, Mohammadi M. Journal: J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2022 Apr;123(2):110-120. doi: 10.1016/j.jormas.2021.05.008. Epub 2021 May 24. PMID: 34033944