A Novel Protocol in Early Cleft Lip Repair: Demonstrating Efficacy and Safety in the First 104 Patients

Orofacial clefts are a prevalent birth defect that affects approximately 7.75 neonates out of every 10 000 live births. The optimal timing for repair of the cleft lip has yet to be objectively validated and previous supporting evidence guiding ideal timing may be outdated (Kobus et al. 2014). Earlier repair takes advantage of the high degree of plasticity within the nasal cartilage and maxilla as a result of high concentrations of circulating maternal estrogen in the infant (Kenny et al. 1973). Accomplishing the operative repair of the cleft lip in infancy has the capacity to decrease restrictive scar formation, improve aesthetic outcomes, accelerate weight gain, and improve feeding and maternal-infant socialization.
Source: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Source Type: research