Our Summary

Cleft lip and palate is the most common birth defect affecting the mouth and face area. Fixing this condition with surgery relies heavily on accurately marking the area and making precise cuts, which can be challenging, particularly in rural hospitals with limited resources. This research paper introduces a new technology that uses robots and deep learning (a type of artificial intelligence) to aid in these surgeries, making them more effective and easier for surgeons to perform. The researchers have created a large database of cleft lip and palate cases that they use to train the computer system to identify the right areas for surgery. The technology they use is based on the latest models and learning methods, which helps to make the system more general and less complicated, meaning it can be used more widely. When compared to other methods, their system performed the best, demonstrating its potential for improving cleft lip and palate surgeries.

FAQs

  1. What makes cleft lip and palate surgeries challenging, particularly in rural hospitals?
  2. How does the new technology introduced in the research paper aid in cleft lip and palate surgeries?
  3. How does the computer system identify the right areas for surgery in cleft lip and palate cases?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cleft palate surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgical team. This may include avoiding food and drink for a certain period before the surgery, as well as any medications that need to be stopped prior to the procedure. Following these instructions can help ensure the surgery goes smoothly and reduces the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for cleft palate surgery include infants and children born with a cleft lip and/or palate. These patients may experience difficulty with feeding, speech development, and overall facial appearance. Surgery is often recommended to correct the cleft and improve the patient’s quality of life. In some cases, adults who have not previously undergone surgery for their cleft palate may also be recommended for surgery to address any functional or aesthetic concerns.

Timeline

  • Before cleft palate surgery:
  1. Patient is diagnosed with cleft lip and/or palate at birth or during infancy through physical examination and imaging tests.
  2. Patient undergoes preoperative evaluations to assess overall health and suitability for surgery.
  3. Patient may receive nutritional support, speech therapy, and dental care to prepare for surgery.
  4. Surgical team plans the procedure, including marking the area to be operated on and discussing the surgery with the patient and their family.
  • After cleft palate surgery:
  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to repair the cleft lip and/or palate, which typically involves making incisions, repositioning tissues, and closing the defect.
  2. Patient is closely monitored postoperatively for any complications such as bleeding, infection, or swelling.
  3. Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and difficulty eating and speaking in the days following surgery.
  4. Patient receives postoperative care, including wound care, pain management, and follow-up appointments with the surgical team.
  5. Patient may require additional surgeries or therapies in the future to address any remaining issues or improve the overall outcome of the procedure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  2. How long is the recovery process expected to be, and what can I do to help aid in a smooth recovery?

  3. Will there be any scarring or long-term effects from the surgery?

  4. How many cleft palate surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?

  5. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider in addition to surgery?

  6. Will my child require additional surgeries or treatments in the future?

  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and are there any risks associated with it?

  8. How soon after birth can cleft palate surgery be performed?

  9. What should I expect in terms of follow-up care and appointments after the surgery?

  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions that I should be aware of post-surgery?

Reference

Authors: Li Y, Cheng J, Mei H, Ma H, Chen Z, Li Y. Journal: Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2019 Jul;2019:3666-3672. doi: 10.1109/EMBC.2019.8857799. PMID: 31946672