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Cleft Lip and Palate Repair in Bhubaneswar

Cleft Lip and Palate Repair

Cleft Lip and Palate Repair in Bhubaneswar

Cleft lip and palate are the most common congenital disorders present in children worldwide. In these conditions, the upper lip (cleft lip) or roof of the mouth (cleft palate) does not form properly during pregnancy. Both of these defects can occur together or separately, though they usually occur individually. These conditions can occur on one or both sides of the mouth, affecting the child’s ability to eat, drink, and speak. The surgical procedure done to fix these disorders is called Cleft Lip and Palate Repair. These usually require multiple surgeries to correct different issues as the child grows. Cleft Lip and palate repair in Bhubaneswar can begin with a 3-month-old baby, while Palate Repair is often done with a 12-month-old child. These surgeries help reconstruct the lip and palate muscles and fix the opening in the roof of your child’s mouth, which helps restore their normal function and appearance. 

Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, has an excellent team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons who are experts in doing Cleft Lip and Palate Repair surgeries using advanced techniques and cutting-edge facilities, improving treatment outcomes. We also provide comprehensive post-operative care and long-term follow-ups focusing on the child’s speed of development, eating, dental health, and facial growth. The child may require additional surgeries and therapies during their lifetime, so we aim to provide them with friendly services to boost their confidence and improve their quality of life.

Experience world-class healthcare at Manipal Hospitals. Our expert team of doctors and state-of-the-art facilities ensure personalized and advanced treatments. Take the first step towards wellness. Book an appointment today.

FAQ's

Cleft Lip and Palate Repair Surgery is done to restore the function and appearance of your child’s mouth and lips. Cleft Lip and Palate cause a lot of issues, such as:

  • Feeding difficulties

  • Speech development

  • Dental problems

  • Hearing issues

  • Psychological and aesthetic issues

With this surgery, your child’s ability to eat, drink, speak, breathe, and hear is improved, helping them lead a better life. Also, early repair helps prevent further complications like chronic ear infections, fluid coming out of the nose, speech impediments, and difficulty chewing and swallowing food. Also, psychological issues such as low self-esteem and social behaviour are improved with better aesthetic appearance.

The timing of the surgery to correct Cleft Lip and Palate Repair will depend on your child’s particular situation. The child may require multiple surgeries during their stage of development. Surgeries are typically performed in this order:

  • Cleft Lip Surgery occurs when the baby is 3-6 months old, which may include lip taping, a nasal elevator, or nasoalveolar molding. The child may need further surgeries to correct the shape and function of the nose.

  • Cleft Palate Repair surgery occurs when the child is around 12 months or earlier in some cases. It will be done after Cleft Lip Surgery if the child has both conditions.

  • Various other follow-up surgeries may be needed between the ages of 2 and late teen years to improve speech, bone grafting to repair the gum line, dental or jaw surgery, and many others, depending on your child's condition.

  • Various healthcare providers are involved in your child's care, including surgeons, speech therapists, otolaryngologists (head and neck surgeons), and dentists.

  • They will assess the best surgical course of action for your child's cleft lip or palate.

  • The paediatrician will examine the child a week before surgery to ensure they’re healthy enough for surgery. Will review their medical history and allergies. Test your child’s blood and do a complete physical exam to assess their overall health.

  • Inform the doctor about the medicines you are giving to your child, as you may need to stop certain medications a week before surgery.

  • You will be provided specific eating and drinking instructions based on your child's age, as they must have an empty stomach for anaesthesia on the day of surgery. 

  • Share your concerns with the doctor and get answers to all your queries before the surgery to be well-prepared on the day of the surgery.

Cleft Lip Repair Surgery:

  • It is done to close the gap in your child’s lip and improve the appearance and shape of the upper lip and nose. 

  • Your baby will be given general anaesthesia to keep them unconscious during the procedure.

  • Incisions will be made on the sides of the cleft to create flaps of skin. 

  • These pieces of skin are drawn together, and the surgeon will close the cleft lip with stitches, which may either be removed after a few days or dissolve on their own.

  • This operation typically takes 1 to 2 hours.

  • Most babies have to stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days to ensure they tolerate the surgery and to monitor their progress.

  • Your child will have a slight scar, but the surgeon will align it with the natural lines of the lip to make it less noticeable. The scar will fade over time.

Palate Repair Surgery:

  • This is done to close the opening in the roof of your child’s mouth, which facilitates speech and eating food normally.

  • Your child will be given general anaesthesia.

  • The surgeon will close the gap in the roof of the mouth by rearranging and repairing several layers of tissues, muscles, and the lining of the palate.

  • Once the tissue is in place and the separation is closed, it is then stitched using dissolvable stitches.

  • This operation also takes about 2-3 hours but can take more time depending on the type of palate repair. 

  • Most children will have to stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days.

  • The scar from palate repair will be inside the mouth and not visible.

 

  • Your child will have to stay in the hospital for some days, but the complete recovery can take up to 4 weeks.

  • The surgery wound must be kept very clean until it heals.

  • Avoid stretching or putting any pressure on the wound for 3 to 4 weeks.

  • Your child's nurse will show you how to care for the wound.

  • Clean the wound with soap and water or a special cleaning liquid, and keep it moist with ointment.

  • Until the wound heals, your child will be required to have a liquid diet.

  • Your child may need to wear arm cuffs or splints to prevent them from touching the wound.

  • Ensure your child does not put hands or toys in their mouth.

  • At the time of discharge, you will be given clear instructions regarding wound care, diet, medications, and other specific instructions.

The number of surgeries needed by your child will depend on the severity of the cleft and the child’s overall health conditions. Usually, Cleft Lip Repair requires one surgery, while Cleft Palate Repair can take up to 2 surgeries. Multiple other surgeries will also be needed for other improvements. Your doctor will make the decision, depending on your child’s cleft. 

Though it is generally a safe procedure, it can carry some risks, which include: 

  • Bleeding

  • Infection

  • Breathing problems

  • Reaction to anaesthesia

  • Need for more surgeries

 

Our surgeons will make all efforts to minimise these risks by taking all precautions.

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