Our Summary

This study looked at whether wearing prismatic glasses, which change the direction of light entering the eye, could make surgeons more comfortable while performing cleft palate surgeries. Three surgeons performed surgeries on six patients, half of the time wearing the glasses and half of the time not. The researchers recorded how much the surgeons had to bend their necks during the procedures and asked them to rate their comfort level. They also noted how long the surgeries took and how much the patients bled.

The results showed that when the surgeons wore the glasses, they didn’t have to bend their necks as much, and they reported feeling more comfortable in their neck, back, and shoulders. However, the glasses didn’t make the surgeries go any quicker or reduce the amount of bleeding. The researchers concluded that wearing prismatic glasses could be a good way to make surgeons more comfortable during cleft palate surgeries.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the study on prismatic glasses and cleft palate surgeries?
  2. Did wearing prismatic glasses affect the duration of the surgery or the amount of bleeding in patients?
  3. How did wearing prismatic glasses affect the comfort level of surgeons during cleft palate surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cleft palate surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions closely to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include taking prescribed medications, avoiding certain foods or activities, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon. It is also important to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infections and promote healing.

Suitable For

Patients with cleft palates who are experiencing difficulty with speech, feeding, or hearing are typically recommended for cleft palate surgery. Additionally, patients with cosmetic concerns related to their cleft palate may also be recommended for surgery. It is important for patients to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if cleft palate surgery is the right option for their individual needs.

Timeline

Before cleft palate surgery:

  • Patient undergoes consultations with healthcare professionals to discuss the procedure and expectations
  • Pre-surgical evaluations and tests are conducted to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery
  • Patient may need to follow specific pre-operative instructions, such as fasting or avoiding certain medications
  • Patient may feel anxious or nervous about the upcoming surgery

After cleft palate surgery:

  • Patient will be monitored closely in the recovery room for any complications
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in the surgical site
  • Patient will be given specific post-operative instructions, such as how to care for the surgical site and what to eat or avoid
  • Patient may need to attend follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor healing and address any concerns
  • Over time, the patient should experience improved speech, eating, and facial appearance due to the successful cleft palate surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Can you explain the benefits of wearing prismatic glasses during cleft palate surgery?
  2. How does wearing prismatic glasses affect your comfort level during the surgery?
  3. Did wearing the glasses impact the length of the surgery or the amount of bleeding?
  4. Are there any potential drawbacks or risks associated with using prismatic glasses during surgery?
  5. How common is it for surgeons to use prismatic glasses during cleft palate surgeries?
  6. Are there any alternative methods or technologies that could also improve surgeon comfort during these procedures?
  7. How would wearing prismatic glasses potentially benefit the patient during cleft palate surgery?
  8. How can I best prepare for cleft palate surgery and ensure a successful outcome?
  9. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions or precautions I should be aware of after the surgery?
  10. Are there any additional resources or support groups available for individuals undergoing cleft palate surgery?

Reference

Authors: Kuang H, Chen G, Wen Q, Li S, Chen L, Liang F. Journal: J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2017 Jul;75(7):1527.e1-1527.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2017.03.033. Epub 2017 Mar 27. PMID: 28431235