Search

Objective: This study examines an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for patients with cleft palate and hypothesizes that patients who followed the protocol would have decreased hospital length of stay and decreased narcotic usage than those who did not., Design: Retrospective cohort study., Setting: The study takes place at a single tertiary children's hospital., Patients: All patients who underwent cleft palate repair during a 10-year period (n = 242)., Interventions: All patients underwent cleft palate repair with the most recent cohort following a new ERAS protocol., Main Outcome Measures: Primary outcomes included hospital length of stay and narcotic usage in the first 24 hours after surgery., Results: Use of local bupivacaine during surgery was associated with decreased initial 24-hour morphine equivalent usage: 2.25 vs 3.38 mg morphine equivalent (MME) (P < 0.01), and a decreased hospital length of stay: 1.71 days vs 2.27 days (P < 0.01). The highest 24-hour morphine equivalent a patient consumed prior to the ERAS protocol implementation was 24.53 MME, compared with 6.3 MME after implementation. Utilization of the ERAS protocol was found to be associated with a decreased hospital length of stay: 1.67 vs 2.18 days (P < 0.01)., Conclusions: Use of the proposed ERAS protocol may lead to lower narcotic usage and decreased length of stay., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: none declared., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Abstract: Accessing treatment at ACPA (American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association)-approved centers is challenging for individuals in rural communities. This study aims to assess how pediatric plastic surgery outreach clinics impact access for patients with orofacial cleft and craniosynostosis in Mississippi. An isochrone map was used to determine mean travel times from Mississippi counties to the sole pediatric hospital and the only ACPA-approved team in the state. This analysis was done before and after the establishment of two outreach clinics to assess differences in travel times and cost of travel to specialized plastic surgery care. Two sample t-tests were used for analysis.The addition of outreach clinics in North and South Mississippi led to a significant reduction in mean travel times for patients with cleft and craniofacial diagnoses across the state's counties (1.81 hours vs 1.46 hours, P < 0.001). Noteworthy travel cost savings were observed after the introduction of outreach clinics when considering both the pandemic gas prices ($15.27 vs $9.80, P < 0.001) and post-pandemic prices ($36.52 vs $23.43, P < 0.001).The addition of outreach clinics in Mississippi has expanded access to specialized healthcare for patients with cleft and craniofacial differences resulting in reduced travel time and cost savings for these patients. Establishing specialty outreach clinics in other rural states across the United States may contribute significantly to reducing burden of care for patients with clefts and craniofacial differences. Future studies can further investigate whether the inclusion of outreach clinics improves follow-up rates and surgical outcomes for these patients., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: none declared., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Fistula formation and velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) are complications of cleft palate repair that often require surgical correction. The goal of the present study was to examine a single institution's experience with cleft palate repair with respect to fistula formation and need for surgery to correct velopharyngeal dysfunction., Methods: Institutional review board approval was obtained. Patient demographics and operative details over a 10-year period were collected. Primary outcomes measured were development of fistula and need for surgery to correct VPI. Chi-square tests and independent t tests were utilized to determine significance (0.05)., Results: Following exclusion of patients without enough information for analysis, 242 patients were included in the study. Fistulas were reported in 21.5% of patients, and surgery to correct velopharyngeal dysfunction was needed in 10.7% of patients. Two-stage palate repair was associated with need for surgery to correct VPI (P = 0.014). Furlow palatoplasty was associated with decreased rate of fistula formation (P = 0.002) and decreased need for surgery to correct VPI (P = 0.014)., Conclusion: This study reiterates much of the literature regarding differing cleft palate repair techniques. A 2-stage palate repair is often touted as having less growth restriction, but the present study suggests this may yield an increased need for surgery to correct VPI. Prior studies of Furlow palatoplasty have demonstrated an association with higher rates of fistula formation. The present study demonstrated a decreased rate of fistula formation with the Furlow technique, which may be due to the use of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia modification. This study suggests clinically superior outcomes of the Furlow palatoplasty over other techniques., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: none declared., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Palatal lengthening is becoming a first-line treatment choice for cleft patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). As cleft palate-related surgical outcomes are age dependent, speech outcomes may be similarly affected by patient age at the time of treatment. The primary goal of this study is to determine whether there are age-related speech outcome differences when double opposing buccinator myomucosal flaps are used as part of a palatal lengthening protocol and whether these outcome differences preclude utilization of this technique for specific patient age groups., Methods: A retrospective study was performed on consecutive nonsyndromic patients with VPI who underwent treatment using double opposing buccinator myomucosal flaps at our hospital between 2014 and 2021. Patients who completed the 15-month follow-up were stratified by age. Group A aged between 2 and 7 years (n = 14), group B aged 8 and 18 years (n = 23), and group C aged older than 18 years (n = 25) were included. Standardized perceptual speech evaluations and nasopharyngoscopy were performed. Hypernasality, soft palate mobility, and lateral palatal wall mobility were assessed both preoperatively and at a 15-month postoperative interval. Complications were also recorded. The χ2 test was used for statistical comparison., Results: All of the age-stratified patient groups in this study showed significant improvement in hypernasality, soft palate mobility, and lateral wall mobility (P < 0.01), with no statistically significant differences between the different patient age groups. Overall speech success was achieved in 69.4% of patients. Patients in group A achieved 78.6% speech success, patients in group B achieved 78.3% speech success, and patients in group C achieved 56% speech success, with no statistically significant differences being shown regarding speech success between the different patient age groups (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: Regardless of age, palatal lengthening via double opposing buccinator myomucosal flaps similarly improves speech outcomes., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: none declared., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The Chang Gung Forum has been dedicated to the care of craniofacial anomalies since 2000. This annual continuing medical education program focuses on orofacial cleft and surgery-first orthognathic surgery by providing up-to-date information and management guidelines. This study explored how the Chang Gung Forum has influenced medical perspectives, decisions, and practices in a multidisciplinary craniofacial team., Methods: Between 2000 and 2022, 20 Chang Gung Forums have been held. A questionnaire was distributed among 170 attendees who had participated in the forum more than once. The questionnaire collected information on the participants' experiences and levels of satisfaction with the educational program and whether or how it had influenced their clinical practice., Results: Valid responses from 86 attendees (response rate, 50.6%) who had participated more than once were collected and analyzed. The overall satisfaction rate of the Chang Gung Forum based on the respondents' most recent visits was 4.28 ± 0.63 out of 5. Of the respondents, 90.9% acknowledged changes in their clinical practice, with modifications in surgery plans and decisions being the most notable (48.5%). In addition, comprehension increased throughout years of attending the annual forum (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: The Chang Gung Forum has contributed markedly to the community of congenital craniofacial anomalies. The program will continue providing updated information and influencing the clinical decision-making of health care professionals., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: This work was supported in part by a grant from the Craniofacial Research Center, Taoyuan Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CMRPG3J0823, CMRPG3L0361, CORPG3M0211)., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Submucous cleft palate (SMCP) is a subgroup of cleft palate that can present as velopharyngeal insufficiency due to muscle displacement. The pharyngeal flap and Furlow palatoplasty have been introduced to correct SMCP patient with velopharyngeal insufficiency. However, pharyngeal flap and Furlow palatoplasty can occur various complications. We consider the overlapping intravelar veloplasty (IVVP) can overcome these complications. Therefore, we present the speech outcomes of overlapping IVVP for the treatment of patients with SMCP., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 12 patients with SMCP underwent overlapping IVVP between April 2016 and October 2018. The patients who underwent speech evaluation, nasometry, and nasoendoscopy before and after surgery and who were followed up for >18 months were enrolled in this study., Results: The average age of the patients was 5 years (range, 3-11 years) and the postoperative follow-up period ranged from 18 to 24 months (mean, 20 months). The preoperative perceptual speech evaluation was moderate and the postoperative evaluation was normal ( P < 0.01). The preoperative and postoperative nasalance scores obtained using a nasometer were 37.00 and 12.50, respectively, ( P < 0.01). Preoperative and postoperative velopharyngeal movements were grades 3 and 0, respectively, ( P < 0.01)., Conclusions: Our study showed that overlapping IVVP could provide successful correction of velopharyngeal insufficiency in patients with SMCP, including relatively old patients., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: none declared., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Cleft lip and palate is the most common congenital defect of the head and neck, occurring in 1 of 700 live births. Diagnosis often occurs in utero by conventional or 3-dimensional ultrasound. Early cleft lip repair (ECLR) (<3 months of life) for unilateral cleft lip (UCL), regardless of cleft width, has been the mainstay of lip reconstruction at Children's Hospital Los Angeles since 2015. Historically, traditional lip repair (TLR) was performed at 3 to 6 months of life ± preoperative nasoalveolar molding (NAM). Previous publications highlight the benefits of ECLR, such as enhanced aesthetic outcomes, decreased revision rate, better weight gain, increased alveolar cleft approximation, cost savings of NAM, and improved parent satisfaction. Occasionally, parents are referred for prenatal consultations to discuss ECLR. This study evaluates timing of cleft diagnosis, preoperative surgical consultation, and referral patterns to validate whether prenatal diagnosis and prenatal consultation lead to ECLR., Methods: Retrospective review evaluated patients who underwent ECLR versus TLR ± NAM from 2009 to 2020. Timing of repair, cleft diagnosis, and surgical consultation, as well as referral patterns, were abstracted. Inclusion criteria dictated: age < 3 months for ECLR or 3 to 6 months for TLR, no major comorbidities, and diagnosis of UCL without palatal involvement. Patients with bilateral cleft lip or craniofacial syndromes were excluded., Results: Of 107 patients, 51 (47.7%) underwent ECLR whereas 56 underwent TLR (52.3%). Average age at surgery was 31.8 days of life for the ECLR cohort and 112 days of life for the TLR cohort. Furthermore, 70.1% of patients were diagnosed prenatally, yet only 5.6% of families had prenatal consults for lip repair, 100% of which underwent ECLR. Most patients were referred by pediatricians (72.9%). Significance was identified between incidence of prenatal consults and ECLR (P = 0.008). In addition, prenatal diagnosis was significantly correlated with incidence of ECLR (P = 0.027)., Conclusions: Our data demonstrate significance between prenatal diagnosis of UCL and prenatal surgical consultation with incidence of ECLR. Accordingly, we advocate for education to referring providers about ECLR and the potential for prenatal surgical consultation in the hopes that families may enjoy the myriad benefits of ECLR., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: none declared., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study aimed to analyze our outcomes of primary premaxillary ostectomy and setback combined with lip adhesion as the first stage in repair of the bilateral cleft lip with fly-away premaxilla., Methods: This retrospective study included all patients who required primary premaxillary setback by a single surgeon to achieve successful lip repair between 2011 and 2017 at a tertiary children's hospital. All patients had bilateral cleft lip and complete cleft palate with significant premaxillary protrusion. All patients either had failed presurgical orthodontic manipulation or were thought to be poor candidates because of the rigidity of the premaxilla on clinical examination. Patient data were obtained from review of medical records and photographs. Surgical technique is described., Results: Eleven patients with bilateral cleft lip, all of whom also had complete cleft palate, underwent primary premaxillary setback and lip adhesion at an average age of 8.2 months. The mean follow-up was 1.9 years (range, 139 days to 4.5 years). All patients subsequently completed formal lip repair, of which 10 have undergone palatoplasty. Serial photography documented stable premaxillary position and successful lip repair within the follow-up time frame. No patient had postoperative premaxillary instability or vascular compromise. One patient had dehiscence of the lip adhesion requiring reoperation., Conclusions: Primary premaxillary ostectomy and setback allows for successful staged formal lip repair in patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate who have failed presurgical infant orthopedics. Further research is required regarding longterm follow-up with respect to midfacial growth., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: none declared., (Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a well-recognized complication of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) surgery, but studies assessing OSA by means of a respiratory polygraphy (PG) are scarce. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of new-onset OSA after posterior flap pharyngoplasty (PFP)., Materials: The postoperative PG of children with VPI who had a normal preoperative PG were analyzed., Results: Eighteen patients (mean age, 9.8 ± 4.8 years; Pierre Robin sequence [n = 5], isolated cleft palate [n = 7], 22q11 deletion [n = 3], and 3 other diagnoses) were included in the study. Mean delay between surgery and the postoperative PG was 11.5 ± 13.5 months. Two patients (11%) developed severe OSA after PFP. One patient with 22q11 deletion developed overt OSA symptoms immediately after surgery with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 39 events per hour, requiring continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Obstructive sleep apnea improved spontaneously after 10 months, with an AHI of 2 events/h after CPAP weaning. The second patient had a cleft palate associated with a fetal alcohol syndrome and developed OSA symptoms after surgery with an AHI of 18 events/h requiring CPAP therapy. He could be weaned from CPAP 6 months later after a complete section of the pharyngeal flap with an AHI of 6 events/h during spontaneous breathing., Conclusions: New-onset OSA after PFP in children with VPI who had a normal preoperative PG was uncommon (11%) in the present cohort., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: none declared., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), a stigmatizing hallmark of palatal dysfunction, occurs in a wide spectrum of pediatric craniofacial conditions. The mainstays for surgical correction include palate repair and/or pharyngeal surgery. However, primary pharyngoplasty has a failure rate of 15% to 20%. Although revision pharyngoplasty may be necessary in those with persistent VPI, little is known regarding the indications for and outcomes after such procedures. The purpose of this study is to describe the authors' experience with indications for and outcomes after revision pharyngoplasty., Methods: A single-center retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing revision pharyngoplasty between 2002 and 2019. Demographic data and Pittsburgh Weighted Speech Scores, diagnoses, comorbidities, and complications were tabulated. Two-tailed Student t test was used, and a P value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant., Results: Thirty-two patients (65.6% male) met inclusion criteria for this study. The most common diagnoses included cleft palate (68.8%), submucous cleft palate (SMCP, 18.8%), and congenital VPI (6.3%, likely occult SMCP). Most patients (84.4%) underwent palatoplasty before their initial pharyngoplasty. The primary indication for initial pharyngoplasty was VPI (mean age 7.1 ± 4.6 years). The most common indication for revision pharyngoplasty (mean age 11.2 ± 5.1 years) included persistent VPI (n = 22), followed by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (n = 11). Persistent VPI (n = 8) and OSA (n = 6) were the most common complications after secondary pharyngoplasty. Thirteen patients (40.6%) within the revision pharyngoplasty cohort required additional surgical intervention: 4 underwent tertiary pharyngoplasty, 4 underwent takedown for OSA (n = 3) or persistent VPI (n = 1), 3 underwent takedown and conversion Furlow for persistent VPI (n = 2), OSA (n = 2) and/or flap dehiscence (n = 1), and 2 underwent palatal lengthening with buccal myomucosal flaps for persistent VPI. Of the 4 patients who required a tertiary pharyngoplasty, the mean age at repair was 6.6 ± 1.1 years and their speech scores improved from 13.5 to 2.3 after tertiary pharyngoplasty (P = 0.11). The overall speech score after completion of all procedures improved significantly from 19 to 3.3., Conclusion: Patients who fail primary pharyngoplasty represent a challenging population. Of patients who underwent secondary pharyngoplasty, nearly half required a tertiary procedure to achieve acceptable speech scores or resolve complications., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: none declared., (Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: As healthcare spending within the United States grows, payers have attempted to curb spending through higher cost sharing for patients. For families attempting to balance financial obligations with their children's surgical needs, high cost sharing could place families in difficult situations, deciding between life-altering surgery and bankruptcy. We aim to investigate trends in patient cost sharing and provider payments for cleft lip and palate repair., Methods: The IBM® MarketScan® Commercial Database was queried to extract patients younger than 18 years who underwent primary or secondary cleft lip and/or palate repair from 2007 to 2016. Financial variables included gross payments to the provider (facility and/or physician), net payment as reported by the carrier, coordination of benefits and other savings, and the beneficiary contribution, which consisted of patients' coinsurance, copay, and deductible payments. Linear regression was used to evaluate trends in payments over time. Poisson regression was used to trend the proportion of patients with a nonzero beneficiary contribution. All financial values were adjusted to 2016 dollars per the consumer price index to account for inflation., Results: The sample included 6268 cleft lip and 9118 cleft palate repair episodes. Total provider payments increased significantly from 2007 to 2016 for patients undergoing cleft lip (median, $2527.33 vs $5116.30, P 0.008) and palate ($1766.13 vs $3511.70, P < 0.001) repair. Beneficiary contribution also increased significantly for both cleft lip ($155.75 vs $193.31, P < 0.001) and palate ($124.37 vs $183.22, P < 0.001) repair, driven by an increase in deductibles ( P < 0.002). The proportion of cleft palate patients with a nonzero beneficiary contribution increased yearly by 1.6% ( P = 0.002). Higher provider payments and beneficiary contributions were found in the Northeast ( P < 0.001) and South ( P < 0.011), respectively, for both cleft lip and palate repair., Conclusions: The US national data demonstrate that for commercially insured patients with cleft lip and/or palate, there has been a trend toward higher patient cost sharing, most pronounced in the South. This suggests that patients are bearing an increased cost burden while provider payments are simultaneously accelerating. Additional studies are needed to understand the impact of increased cost sharing on parents' decision to pursue cleft lip and/or palate repair for their children., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: none declared., (Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Velopharyngeal insufficiency involving a large velopharyngeal gap and poor lateral wall movement is referred to as a "black hole" and remains a challenging problem for cleft surgeons. The effect of the pharyngeal flap on this form of velopharyngeal insufficiency is still debatable because a wide pharyngeal flap is associated with a high incidence of airway obstruction. The present study aimed to evaluate the speech outcomes of combined overlapping intravelar veloplasty and dynamic sphincter pharyngoplasty for the treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency., Methods: Between March 2016 and June 2019, 15 patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency were treated with a combination of overlapping intravelar veloplasty and dynamic sphincter pharyngoplasty. Preoperative speech evaluation was performed on the basis of perceptual speech evaluation, nasometry, and nasoendoscopy. Postoperative speech evaluation using the same approach as that used preoperatively was performed after completion of speech therapy., Results: All 15 patients achieved satisfactory velopharyngeal port closure and speech phonation after completion of speech therapy. No additional procedures were performed to improve velopharyngeal port closure and speech production. The preoperative and postoperative results of perceptual speech evaluation, nasometry, and nasoendoscopy evaluation were significantly different (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Combined treatment with overlapping intravelar veloplasty and dynamic sphincter pharyngoplasty can correct the velopharyngeal insufficiency "black hole" with highly reliable results and minimal risk of airway obstruction., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: The authors declare no conflict of interest. This work was supported by the Soonchunhyang University Research Fund., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The use of a buccinator myomucosal flap in combination with Furlow's Z-plasty during primary and secondary palatal repairs has been proposed by many authors to overcome some of the limitations of Furlow's technique. However, there have been no studies that quantitatively measured the effective palatal lengthening when the buccal flap is added., Patients and Methods: The buccal flap is routinely used during primary palate repair in order to fill the gap between the hard palate and reoriented palatal muscle sling. The soft palatal length was measured in the midline from the posterior edge of the hard palate to the base of the uvula. All patients were measured before starting the surgery and just after palatal closure in the standard position for cleft palate repair., Results: Seventy-three patients with cleft palate who were candidates for primary repair were included. The mean age at the time of operation was 11.4 ± 3.5 months. The mean preoperative palatal length was 21.36 ± 3.529 mm, whereas the mean postoperative palatal length was 29.64 ± 4.171) mm. The mean palatal length change was 8.29 ± 2.514 mm (P < 0.000)., Conclusions: The Combined use of a buccinator myomucosal flap with modified Furlow's Z-plasty in primary cleft palate repair has proven effective for palatal lengthening and achieved tensionless closure without the need for relaxing incision. It also provided a pliable soft tissue attachment of the palatal muscles to the hard palate allowing for better muscle function and mobility., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: None of the authors have any conflicts of interest or financial interest in any of the products that had been used or mentioned in this article., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The concept of gingivoperiosteoplasty (GPP) in the mixed dentition stage as compared with secondary alveolar bone grafting (ABG) in management of alveolar cleft has not been much discussed upon. The authors present the experience with extensive GPP and ABG in the mixed dentition stage in complete bilateral alveolar cleft cases., Methods: A retrospective review of nonsyndromic patients with complete bilateral alveolar cleft operated on with either GPP or ABG (iliac crest) in the mixed dentition stage with at least 1-year follow-up was performed. Dental occlusal radiographs were evaluated for level of bone gain using Bergland and Witherow scales. Statistical evaluation of clinical success and procedure-related complications was conducted using χ2 test and odds ratio., Results: Twenty-four patients in the GPP group and 20 in the ABG group were comparatively studied. Clinical success rate as indicated by Bergland scales I and II (87.5% in GPP vs 82.5% in ABG; P = 0.731), complication rate (20.83% in GPP vs 30% in ABG; P = 0.484), and status of canine eruption showed no significant differences in clinical outcomes in both groups., Conclusions: The technique of extensive GPP as described by authors shows equal efficacy to secondary ABG for management of bilateral alveolar clefts during the mixed dentition period., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: Supported by research project 109-TMUH-SP-04 of Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The repair of nasal deformities secondary to cleft lip and palate is complex and requires reliable preoperative nasal 3-dimensional assessment. This study explored nasal end (defined as the lower third of the external nasal and vestibular parts of the nasal cavity) deformities secondary to unilateral complete cleft lip and palate., Methods: Three-dimensional nasal end morphometric measurements were obtained from 48 patients who had undergone Millard cleft lip repair and reached skeletal maturity (cleft group) and from 36 age- and ethnicity-matched normal subjects (control group). For the cleft group, paired t tests and 1-way analysis of covariance were used to evaluate the internal and external morphological characteristics of the cleft and noncleft sides of the nasal end, and correlation analysis was done to evaluate the relationship between cleft-side measurements., Results: In the cleft group, the cleft side showed significantly smaller nasal vestibular volume and skin area, nostril area, nasal column length, and nostril height and greater nostril base length and nasal alar length than the noncleft side (all P < 0.05). Controlling for sex, there were significant differences in the nasal vestibular volume and skin area, internal nasal valve area, long nostril diameter, nostril base length, columella length, nostril height, and nasal alar length between the cleft and control groups (all P < 0.05). On the cleft side, the area of the skin lining of the nasal vestibule positively correlated with the alar length (r = 0.67, P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Three-dimensional nasal end reconstruction provides a more detailed preoperative nasal end morphological evaluation than previously available techniques., Level of Evidence: Level III, case-control study., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: The authors have no conflicts of interest. This study is supported by the Capital Medical Development Research Project (2020-2-4043)., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: ReSurge International is a nongovernmental organization that organizes surgical team trips to low- and middle-income countries. Cleft palate repair is commonly performed on these trips. A comprehensive cleft care program was implemented to help reduce postoperative palatal fistula rates., Methods: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing cleft palate repair surgery with ReSurge International in Vietnam from 2013 through 2019 was performed. The cleft care program was implemented in 2018. This intervention involved preoperative education of patients and close postoperative monitoring. Critically, this program also provided closer access to providers. Subsequent follow-up was performed by a ReSurge physician. Parent-reported outcomes were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using 5-point Likert-like survey questions., Results: Two hundred three patients underwent cleft palate repair. The patients were older and of higher Veau classification than is usually seen in the United States. The palatal fistula rate in the preintervention group was 37.5% and 14.3% in the intervention group (P = 0.014). Patients without fistulas demonstrated improvements on parent-reported outcomes compared with those with fistulas, with food less likely to go up their nose (P < 0.001), less difficulty eating (P < 0.001), and more understandable speech (P = 0.015)., Conclusions: Implementation of a comprehensive cleft palate program reduced postoperative fistula rates by more than 50%. Improvements in parent-reported outcomes were observed after surgery among patients without fistulas. The blueprint for improved outcomes in these more complex patients includes enhanced perioperative patient counseling, close follow-up, and maintenance of communication with patients., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: J.C. is the Consulting Medical Officer for ReSurge International, Drs. Sue and Deptula were ReSurge Laub Fellows., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Current disease surveillance in Vietnam relies on underdeveloped electronic medical record (EMR) systems, which are insufficient for timely standardized data collection about craniofacial and cleft pathologies. Concurrently, the World Bank reports Vietnamese mobile cellular subscription rates (per 100 people) of 128, some of the highest in the world. Herein, we discuss the development of a short messaging service (SMS)-based surveillance system based in Hanoi, Vietnam, and its utility in contrast to an EMR-based approach to craniofacial epidemiology study., Methods: Vietnam National Children's Hospital (VNCH) is a pediatric tertiary care center serving approximately 12 million children. Four plastic surgeons were trained in SMS data entry. The SMS database was designed using FrontlineSMS, a 2-way mobile gateway software application with automated messaging capabilities. The VNCH EMR database was queried for individual demographic data for patients seen by the department from 2010 to 2019., Results: A corrected prevalence for cleft lip and palate of 0.098% (1 in 1020 live births) was calculated based on EMR data. Six rural provinces greater than 150 km from Hanoi were found to be significantly (P < 0.01) underserved surgically by the VNCH. A significantly (P < 0.01) higher rate of Pierre Robin in Lang Son province and facial clefts in Ha Tinh province were identified. The prospective data collection system received 7 patient data sets over 4 months, resulting in a capture rate of 2.9%., Conclusions: This feasibility study offers valuable insight into the true cleft and craniofacial prevalence in Vietnam and alternative methods to study in low- and middle-income countries., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: None of the authors has a financial interest in any of the products, devices, or drugs mentioned in this manuscript. This study was funded by the 2018 combined pilot research grant from the Plastic Surgery Foundation and American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Social media and instant messaging can improve patient education, follow-up, and outcome. The utilization of these modalities in cleft lip/palate care is not fully described. We formed an online platform consisting of a dedicated website, Facebook group and LINE group through which we provide information and counseling to our patient population. Our objective is to evaluate the impact and patient satisfaction of our online platform., Methods: In this retrospective study, we designed a questionnaire aimed at evaluating the quality of information and patient satisfaction of the online platform. The questionnaire was distributed online to 732 cases connected to us through the LINE application., Results: The response rate was 26%. Website information was found very necessary and sufficient by 75% and 46% of the cases, respectively. Regarding Facebook, the medical team's response was found very professional and practical by 81% and 68% of the cases, respectively. Patient-patient interaction was helpful to 96% of the cases. Regarding the LINE application, the medical team's response was found very immediate and helpful in 73% of the cases, and 91% felt that LINE saved them time from returning to the clinic on unscheduled occasions. The website, Facebook and LINE were used over 10 times per month by 17%, 32%, and 50% of the cases, respectively. A decrease in unscheduled "pop-up" visits to the clinic (from 25 to 6 per month) was registered., Conclusions: Adapting social media and instant messaging into our cleft lip/palate care has been welcomed with high satisfaction among our patient population, increasing their knowledge, saving them time from returning to the clinic, and allowing them beneficial interaction with other families coping with similar conditions., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: none declared., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Van der Woude syndrome (VWS), an autosomal dominant condition associated with clefts of the lip and/or palate and lower lip pits, is caused by mutations in interferon regulatory factor 6 gene. It is reported to be the most common syndromic cleft worldwide. This case series presents the phenotypic characteristics and treatment outcomes in a group of 9 patients diagnosed with VWS., Methods: A retrospective review was performed on records of patients given a diagnosis of VWS presenting to the Department of Plastic Surgery of Sohag University between July 2009 and November 2019. Data analyses included age and sex of affected patients, type of the cleft, associated anomalies, presence of lower lip pits, and history of lower lip pits/cleft in the family and treatment outcomes., Results: The study identified 9 patients (male = 2, female = 7). Age at first presentation ranged between 1 week and 7 years (mean = 1.3 years). Four patients had bilateral cleft lip and palate and 1 patient had unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), whereas 4 patients had isolated cleft palate. Bilateral lower lip pits were presented in 8 patients, whereas the ninth patient has unilateral pit. Family history was positive in 3 patients. Most patients in this study developed after palatal repair speech problems with an increased rate of secondary surgical procedures needed for correction of velopharyngeal insufficiency., Conclusions: All reviewed cases of VWS presented with lower lip pits and cleft palate with or without cleft lip. A positive family history of similar conditions was demonstrated in 33.3% of our patients. This study suggests an increased incidence of secondary palatal surgeries for velopharyngeal insufficiency in patients with VWS; this warrant further studies including control group of nonsyndromic cleft patients., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: none declared., (Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: We analyzed the perceptions of participants and faculty members in simulation-based comprehensive cleft care workshops regarding comprehensive cleft care delivery in developing countries., Methods: Data were collected from participants and faculty members in 2 simulation-based comprehensive cleft care workshops organized by Global Smile Foundation. We collected demographic data and surveyed what they believed was the most significant barrier to comprehensive cleft care delivery and the most important intervention to deliver comprehensive cleft care in developing countries. We also compared participant and faculty responses., Results: The total number of participants and faculty members was 313 from 44 countries. The response rate was 57.8%. The majority reported that the most significant barrier facing the delivery of comprehensive cleft care in developing countries was financial (35.0%), followed by the absence of multidisciplinary cleft teams (30.8%). The majority reported that the most important intervention to deliver comprehensive cleft care was creating multidisciplinary cleft teams (32.2%), followed by providing cleft training (22.6%). We found no significant differences in what participants and faculty perceived as the greatest barrier to comprehensive cleft care delivery (P = 0.46), or most important intervention to deliver comprehensive cleft care in developing countries (P = 0.38)., Conclusions: Our study provides an appraisal of barriers facing comprehensive cleft care delivery and interventions required to overcome these barriers in developing countries. Future studies will be critical to validate or refute our findings, as well as determine country-specific roadmaps for delivering comprehensive cleft care to those who need it the most., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: none declared., (Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The timing and management of patients with cleft palates have been controversial. Early soft palate closure at the time of cleft lip repair followed by hard palate closure at a second stage has been hypothesized to improve speech and audiology outcomes. This study compares cleft palate patients who have undergone single-stage versus 2-stage cleft palate repairs and the outcomes on speech and hearing., Methods: A retrospective chart review identified patients with diagnosis of cleft lip with complete cleft palate who underwent either single or 2-stage repair from 2006 to 2012. Data collected included age at each surgery, necessity of further speech surgery for velopharyngeal insufficiency, frequency of tympanostomy tube placement, presence of hearing loss, and speech assessment data graded per the validated Americleft speech scale., Results: A total of 84 patients were identified and subdivided into groups of single-stage and 2-stage repair. The mean age at the time of single-stage palate repair was 13.3 months. For the 2-stage group, the mean ages were 4.2 and 11.8 months for the soft palate and hard palate repairs, respectively. Comparing the single-stage versus 2-stage palate repairs, there was no significant difference in all speech parameters including hypernasality, hyponasality, nasal air emission, articulation, expressive language, receptive language, speech intelligibility, and speech acceptability for both unilateral and bilateral cleft lip/palate patients. Two-stage repair was associated with increased number of tympanostomy tube placement compared with single-stage repair (relative risk, 1.74; P = 0.009), and the first set of tubes was performed at a statistically significantly younger age, 4.5 months in the 2-stage repair compared with 16.9 months in the single-stage (P = 0.012) with 87.5% performed with first stage of repair. However, there was no difference in the types, degrees of hearing loss, or the presence of at least mild conductive hearing loss at latest follow-up audiograms between the groups., Conclusions: There was no significant benefit with respect to speech or hearing outcomes between single-stage and 2-stage cleft palate repairs. This advocates for surgeon and family preference in the timing of cleft palate repair., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: none declared., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Repair of cleft palate after 6 years of age is controversial in regard to the surgical procedure and the speech outcome. Primary repair alone may not be considered sufficient to achieve intelligible speech. The authors consider addition of pharyngeal flap at the time of primary repair to be a significant factor in improving speech., Methods: Prospectively maintained data of all cleft palate patients operated from 2013 to 2017 (5 years) was analyzed to identify patients older than 6 years. Complete cleft palate, incomplete cleft palate, and cleft of the soft palate were further stratified according to different Randall types. They were divided into 2 main types: primary palate repair only and primary palate repair with pharyngeal flap. Speech was assessed preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively by Pittsburgh weighted speech scale., Results: A total of 139 patients were analyzed. There were 78 males and 61 females. Their ages ranged from 6 to 60 years (mean age, 12.5 years). The overall preoperative speech score in palate repair-only group was 12.15, whereas the postoperative score was 7.32. In patients who underwent primary pharyngeal flap along with palate repair, the preoperative speech score was 11.3, and the postoperative score was 3.76., Conclusions: In select group of patients who report late for palate repair, addition of pharyngeal flap along with the primary palate repair improves the speech outcome in all Randall groups., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: none declared., (Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Surgical reconstruction of secondary labial deformities associated with isolated unilateral cleft lip (UCL) and/or UCL and palate (UCLP) is challenging. There have been few studies in the literature looking at labial soft tissues quantitatively to assess surgical results., Objective: To apply a novel computer-aided, 3-dimensional reconstruction technique based on CT scan images to conduct quantitative preoperative and postoperative assessments in patients with UCL/UCLP undergoing surgical revision of secondary labial deformities., Methods: Preoperative and postoperative spiral computed tomographic (CT) scans of the face were performed in 21 randomly selected UCL or UCLP patients, who underwent secondary lip revision surgery. The data was then imported to the SimPlant 11.04 software system. Fixed point-to-point, linear distance, and angles were measured, statistically analyzed and used to assess the effect of the surgery., Results: Preoperative measurements showed that the thickness of the upper vermilion at the apex of the Cupid's bow on the affected side was greater than that on the unaffected side. The distance from the apex of the Cupid's bow to the ipsilateral subnasal point of the affected side was smaller than that of the unaffected side (P < 0.05). After surgery, the subjects were rescanned at an average of 9 months, and the curative effects were evaluated. The statistically significant preoperative differences between the affected and unaffected sides were not found postoperatively indicating surgical success., Conclusions: This study demonstrates the utility of a novel method to measure and assess results in the surgical revision of UCL/UCLP patients with secondary lip deformities. This knowledge can aid the surgeon in selection of treatment techniques., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: none declared., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Midface retrusion is a common problem in patients with cleft lip and palate owing to the lack of adequate growth of the maxilla. Midface advancement surgery is a definite treatment for midface retrusion; however, the subsequent oropharyngeal airway changes might result in velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in affected patients. Determining the predictors of VPI beforehand and modifying the surgical procedure would be beneficial., Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 42 patients with cleft lip and palate who underwent orthognathic surgery from 2013 to 2014 was performed. A total of 25 patients met the inclusion criteria and had undergone complete pre- and postsurgery videofluoroscopy, nasopharyngoscopy (NPS), and speech assessment. We compared 2 groups of patients, those who showed NPS finding changes of more than 0.1 (8 patients) and those without changes (17 patients), by measuring the distances of the contact point to the tip of the velum, gap size at maximum closure (MC) and rest, contact area length, lateral wall closure rate, closure velocity, and 2 angles (from the velum to the hard palate and genu) at MC and rest. The amount of maxillary advancement was also recorded., Results: Among the 8 patients with NPS finding changes, 3 underwent Furlow palatoplasty for VPI. No significant difference was found in the amount of maxillary advancement between the groups (5.8 vs 5.7 mm). Significant differences were found in the preoperative gap size at MC and angle at the genu at MC (P = 0.035 and .012). These could be considered as the predictors before surgery. After surgery, a significant difference was found in the contact area, lateral wall closure rate, and gap size at MC (P = 0.005, 0.018, and 0.01)., Conclusion: Videofluoroscopy is a relatively applicable method of determining dynamic changes in the velum function. By performing videofluoroscopy before midface advancement surgery in patients with cleft lip and palate, we may predict the risk of VPI and consider alternative surgical strategies., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: none declared., (Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The evolving 3-dimensional computer-based technology revolutionized the field of orthognathic surgery (OGS). Digital occlusion setup for OGS may provide advantages in the planning comparing with the conventional approach based on the manual setup using dental casts, but we are not aware of any study focusing on digital occlusion setup for cleft OGS. The purposes of this study were to compare the conventional and digital occlusion setup approaches and to propose a protocol for digital occlusion setup in unilateral cleft OGS., Methods: Thirty consecutive patients with unilateral cleft lip/palate who underwent orthodontic treatment by a single orthodontist and 2-jaw OGS by a single surgeon using 3-dimensional surgical simulation were adopted for analysis. Quantitative data were collected from the dental cast occlusion setup approach (conventional group). A multidisciplinary team combined this quantitative data and established a protocol for digital occlusion setup in cleft OGS. Digital occlusions were set according to this protocol using the images of the 30 patients, and quantitative data were collected accordingly (digital group). The results of 2 groups were compared. All information was reviewed to refine the protocol and define the final guidelines., Results: There were no significant differences (all P > 0.05) for all parameters, except midline discrepancy (conventional group > digital group, P < 0.001). The root-mean-square deviation (0.46 ± 0.26 mm) indicated acceptable relationship between the conventional and digital groups. A 6-step protocol for digital occlusion setup in cleft OGS was established: dental midline, overjet/overbite, yaw rotation, pitch rotation, roll rotation, and overall facial skeletal appearance., Conclusions: This study shows that digital occlusion setup is quantitatively comparable with the conventional dental model approach and contributes for cleft OGS by establishing a protocol for surgical occlusion setup using digital approach.

Skeletofacial reconstruction in skeletally mature patients with cleft lip/palate can be challenging because of multifaceted condition-specific anatomical features in addition to several repercussions from surgical intervention during the growing period. This surgical report presents the history and evolving philosophy of cleft-skeletofacial reconstruction at the Chang Gung Craniofacial Center, a referral center for cleft care in Taiwan. The maximization of satisfactory function and the appearance outcome-burden ratio have been the fundamental aims for this team to develop and upgrade cleft-skeletofacial reconstruction over the past 4 decades, with more than 10,000 mature patients treated. The study highlights key lessons learned in outcome-based and patient-oriented changes over time until the current approach, which focuses on patient-centered care with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and team-based model. Substantial advances in surgical, orthodontic, anesthetic, and computer imaging aspects have contributed to improving and optimizing the correction of a broad spectrum of facial and occlusal deformities while ensuring safety, predictability, efficiency, and stability in outcomes. Understanding the development and refinement of cleft-skeletofacial reconstruction over the time and transferring these time-tested and scientifically validated protocols and principles to clinical practice may serve as a reliable foundation to continue the advancement and enhancement of the delivery of surgical cleft care worldwide.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to characterize airway problems, speech outcomes, and facial growth in patients with Stickler syndrome undergoing cleft palate repair., Methods: A retrospective, longitudinal study was performed at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia on 25 patients with Stickler syndrome and 53 nonsyndromic patients with clefts of the secondary palate repaired between 1977 and 2000. Airway problems were characterized by the incidence of Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS) and the necessity for surgical airway management. Speech was analyzed using the Pittsburgh weighted values for speech symptoms associated with velopharyngeal incompetence (VPI). Longitudinal anthropometric measurements represented up to 12 years of longitudinal cephalofacial growth., Results: Seventy-two percent of patients with Stickler syndrome were diagnosed with PRS, 55.6% of whom required surgical airway management. Conversely, 20.8% of nonsyndromic patients were diagnosed with PRS (P < 0.0001), 18% of whom required surgical intervention (P < 0.05). Speech outcomes were poorer in patients with Stickler syndrome with 40% demonstrating borderline VPI and 13.3% demonstrating VPI, compared with 21.8% and 9.1%, respectively, in the nonsyndromic group. Both groups exhibited significantly shallower upper and mid facial depths and wider upper facial breadths when compared with normal standards of facial growth. Although there was a tendency toward decreased facial depths in patients with Stickler syndrome relative to nonsyndromic patients, the differences were nonsignificant., Conclusions: Patients with Stickler syndrome show significant potential for early airway compromise and a poorer prognosis for speech outcome after cleft palate repair. Their cephalofacial growth does not differ significantly from that of nonsyndromic cleft palate patients.

Background and Aim: It is well known that palatoplasty can often cause disturbances in maxillary growth. The use of a single-layer vomer flap for the early closure of the hard palate is controversy among surgeons. The aim of this study is to compare the 10-year facial growth of 2 surgical protocols in the treatment of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate performed by a single surgeon., Methods: This retrospective analysis includes 43 nonsyndromic patients with complete unilateral cleft lip with or without a vomer flap for the closure of the hard palate during cleft-lip repair. Lateral cephalograms were obtained at the age of 5, 7, and 9 years old, and angular measurements were used to assess patient's facial growth. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare 2 treatment protocol groups., Result: A total of 23 patients in protocol 1 group (16 male, 7 female) and 20 patients in protocol 2 group (10 male, 10 female) were included. At the age of 5 and 7, there was no significant difference of maxillary and mandibular growth in both groups. At the age of 9 years, all the angular measurement revealed statistical significance with SNA (P = 0.02), SNB (P = 0.05), ANB (P < 0.01), and SNPg (P = 0.05)., Conclusions: The present study has shown that early anterior palate repair for 3-month-old cleft patients have better maxillary growth and less mandibular prognathism.

Background: The care of unilateral cleft lip (UCL) patients is extremely variable. Historical benchmarks for perioperative and intraoperative choices by cleft surgeons were produced by Sitzman et al (Plast Reconstr Surg. 2008;121:261e-270e) in 2005. However, emerging data and cleft lip repair methods around this period were not captured by this study. The aim of this study was to update the current practice patterns of cleft lip surgeons., Methods: An electronic survey was distributed to surgeons in the American Cleft Palate Association. Demographic data about the surgeon were collected as well as their choices regarding perioperative and intraoperative cleft lip care., Results: Eighty-six surgeons responded to the survey. Nearly 40% of surgeons have changed their technique for UCL repair with Fisher anatomical subunit repair gaining significant popularity. Nasoalveolar molding is also being used more frequently (41% vs 22%). At the time of the cleft lip repair, closure of the nasal floor is occurring in 83.1% of patients and primary cleft rhinoplasty is being performed routinely 57% of the time., Conclusions: Over the last 10 years, there has been an increase in the use of modified rotation advancement repairs and Fisher anatomic subunit approximation technique for treatment of UCL. There continues to be a lack of evidence regarding superiority of specific repair techniques or the benefits of adjunct procedures, which results in varying practice patterns. Educating all cleft surgeons on practices that are well supported is important to improve care to cleft patients.

Purpose: As one of the most common congenital craniofacial deformities, cleft lip and palate repair is a complex and much published topic. Proper treatment can require a multitude of appointments and operations and can place a significant burden on both the patients' families and the health care system itself. One proposed solution has been to combine multiple cleft procedures. However, these more complex operations have drawn concerns from institutions and providers regarding increased cost. This study provides a cost utility analysis between single-stage and staged unilateral cleft lip and palate repairs., Methods: A retrospective review was conducted via current procedural terminology code identification of all cleft-related operations performed between 2013 and 2018. Patients were screened according to diagnosis, and only analysis on unilateral cleft lip and palate patients was performed. Patients were split into 2 cohorts: those that underwent a single-stage complete cleft repair, which includes palate, lip, alveolus, and nasal repair-termed "PLAN" at our institution, and those that underwent more traditional staged lip and palate repairs. Demographic and billing data were collected for any procedure performed between patient ages 0 and 24 months. χ, t-tests, and parametric regression analyses were performed to compare the cohorts., Results: Between 2013 and 2018, 968 (n = 968) cleft-related operations were conducted at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital. Seven hundred ninety-six (n = 796) noncleft lip/palate repairs and 38 (n = 38) bilateral cleft lip repairs were excluded. Of the remaining 135 (n = 135) patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate, detailed cost data were available for 86 single-stage and 28 staged repairs. The average combined total cost for single-stage repairs was US $80,405 compared with US $109,473 for staged repairs (P < 0.001). The average total intraoperative cost for single-stage repairs was US $60,683 versus US $79,739 for staged repairs (P < 0.001), and the average total postoperative cost for single-stage repairs versus staged repairs was US $19,776 and US $29,703, respectively (P < 0.001)., Conclusions: This analysis suggests that single-stage PLAN repair, provides an effective, cost-efficient solution to unilateral cleft lip and palate care, reducing burden on patients' families and the health care system at large.

Objective: Although several methods of note have been reported for the repair of cleft palate, wound separation and oronasal fistula can still occur. This study reports a useful technique of dissection in the pyramidal space for adequate release of tension and the prevention of palatal fistula., Methods: A total of 404 consecutive patients with cleft palate with or without cleft lip who had received standard surgical repair were evaluated. The mucoperiosteal flaps were raised from the hard palate. Dissection was performed in the pyramidal space to expose the greater palatine foramen, neurovascular pedicle, pyramidal process of the palatine bone, opening to the space of Ernst, and hamulus with tensor veli palatini aponeurosis. The restricting ligamentous fibers lateral and posterior to the pedicle were released. The hamulus process was divided at its root and pushed medially for further relief and medial mobilization of the flap. Closure of the flaps was achieved with minimal tension in the midline. The patients received regular postoperative follow-ups., Results: Only 1 case was found to have postoperative palatal fistula, resulting in a fistula rate of 0.25% during the 11-year study period., Conclusion: Adequate dissection in the pyramidal space helped to close the palatal flaps with minimal tension and prevent the formation of palatal fistula.

Treatment of cleft lip and palate ordinarily requires multiple interventions spanning the time of birth to adulthood. Restriction of facial growth, a common occurrence in affected children, is due to multiple factors. There are multiple surgical and therapeutic options, which may have influence on facial growth in these patients. As restriction to facial development can have significant implications to form, function, and psychological well-being, practitioners should have an appreciation for the effects of the different cleft therapies to facial growth. We have outlined and thoroughly reviewed in chronological order all of the interventions from birth to adulthood necessary in the comprehensive care of the patient with cleft lip and palate, along with the effects they may or may not have on facial growth.

The Newcastle Surgical Training Centre Cadaveric Speech and Palate Surgery Course is an interactive and practical 1-day course for plastic surgery, ear, nose and throat surgery, and maxillofacial surgery trainees wishing to develop skills in cleft palate and speech surgery. The course is delivered by an expert faculty with delegates attending from the United Kingdom and abroad and costs £495 (US $650) to attend. This review provides information and an evaluation of the course.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of posterior pharyngeal fat grafting for the management of velopharyngeal insufficiency using a simplified therapeutic algorithm and a tailored surgical technique., Methods: This was a prospective study of consecutive nonsyndromic patients with repaired cleft palate and velopharyngeal insufficiency who were stratified according to a simplified algorithm (minimally scarred palate, transverse orientation of levator veli palatini, and pinhole-to-small velopharyngeal gaps) and who underwent tailored posterior pharyngeal fat grafting. The patients were screened for obstructive sleep apnea before and after surgery. Three blinded evaluators randomly rated perceptual speech (hypernasality, audible nasal emission, and intraoral pressure) and nasoendoscopic (velopharyngeal active gap size) characteristics using audio and video recordings. Successful speech outcome was defined as normal or borderline sufficient velopharyngeal function at 15 months after surgery., Results: All included patients (n = 96) presented with a preoperative and postoperative low risk of obstructive sleep apnea. At 15 months after surgery, hypernasality (0.26 ± 0.53), audible nasal emissions (0.29 ± 0.48), intraoral pressure (0.1 ± 0.31), and velopharyngeal closure size (1.86 ± 0.34) were significantly decreased (all, P < 0.05) compared with the corresponding preoperative measurements (hypernasality, 2.17 ± 0.75; audible nasal emissions, 1.89 ± 0.82; intraoral pressure, 0.85 ± 0.35; and velopharyngeal closure size, 0.2 ± 0.49). In total, 84 (87.5%) patients showed successful speech outcomes., Conclusions: Tailored posterior pharyngeal fat grafting is an effective and safe surgical strategy for the management of velopharyngeal insufficiency in a selected cohort of patients with repaired cleft palate.

Significantly worse speech outcomes and higher complication rates are reported among internationally adopted cleft patients. We evaluated our cohort to provide more accurate counseling to adoptive parents., Methods: We reviewed internationally adopted children with unrepaired cleft palate who had 2-flap palatoplasty with radical intravelarveloplasty from 2003 to 2015 in a single-surgeon, consecutive series., Results: Seventy-two children adopted with unrepaired cleft palate were identified, 2 with syndromic association. The average age at palatoplasty was 28.1 months. Meaningful speech assessment was available in 58 patients. Successful speech was defined by a competent or borderline-competent velopharyngeal mechanism (Pittsburgh Weighted Speech Score <2). Twenty-five patients (43%) had successful speech outcomes. Twenty-nine patients (50%) were recommended secondary operation for nasality. Nonfistula repair secondary operation was performed using the following: fat grafting (9 patients, 43%), intravelarveloplasty (8 patients, 38%), and sphincter pharyngoplasty (4 patients, 19%). The average Pittsburgh Weighted Speech Score improved 5.8 to 1.3 (P = 1.3E-6); 4.8 to 1.0 (P = 0.0009) with fat grafting alone. After all interventions, normal speech was achieved in 43 (74%) of 58 patients. Palatal fistula (9.2% vs 0.9%, P = 0.001) and velopharyngeal insufficiency (50% vs 6.7%, P = 0.0004) rates were both significantly higher in the internationally adopted cohort than our nonadopted population data. The need for secondary surgery was independent of cleft type (P = 0.89), age (P = 0.78), or presence of a "wide" cleft (P = 1)., Conclusions: Our results demonstrate higher fistula and secondary surgery rates. Successful speech outcomes were achieved in most patients with minimally invasive secondary procedures.

Background: Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) results from incomplete closure of the velopharyngeal (VP) sphincter with oral pressure consonants during speech. Maxillary hypoplasia is common among cleft children and often requires LeFort I advancement. This results in anterior movement of the soft palate with the bony maxillary segment. Consequently, the size of the VP sphincter is increased and may result postoperative VPI or worsening of prior VPI. To better counsel our patients and their families of the risk of VPI after LeFort I advancement, we chose to evaluate our own cohort., Methods: We conducted an institutional review board-approved prospective review of all cleft children presenting to Texas Children's Hospital who underwent LeFort I advancement after previous palatoplasty between 2013 and 2016 in a three-surgeon, consecutive patient series. Data collected included age, sex, ethnicity, cleft type, prior secondary speech surgery, presence of preoperative fistula, planned distance of advancement, orthognathic surgery performed, and any concurrent procedures performed. Primary outcomes measured included preoperative and postoperative VP function and hypernasality as measured by a certified speech pathologist., Results: Velopharyngeal function was unchanged in 67% of our cohort after LeFort I advancement. Of those patients, 83% had evidence of VPI preoperatively, and 17% had normal speech preoperatively. Twenty-two percent of the patients displayed worsening VP function after surgery, and 6% displayed evidence of improvement. Velopharyngeal function was unable to be assessed in 6% of patients. Nasality ratings worsened in 39% of patients, were unchanged in 39%, and improved in 22%. Of the patients with incompetent VP function after surgery, 50% already received or are currently scheduled for secondary speech surgery, 25% declined secondary surgery, and 25% are pending scheduling., Conclusions: Although VP function remains unchanged in a majority of patients after LeFort I advancement, VPI should be carefully screened for after surgery. If detected, secondary operations to correct speech should be strongly considered.

Background: Cleft lip/palate is a congenital craniofacial anomaly affecting patients physically and psychosocially and has contributed to the global burden of surgical disease, especially in underprivileged areas. For 20 years, Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation (NCF) and the Chang Gung Craniofacial Center (CGCFC) have carried out missions to these areas. Rather than implementing short-term missions that lack proper follow-up care, the team has provided an effective, long-term, and multidisciplinary approach for the treatment of patients with cleft lip/palate. In this study, we evaluate the sustainability and effectiveness of the cleft mission model implemented by NCF and CGCFC., Methods: Data from the years 1998-2017 were retrieved from the NCF database. All local centers were evaluated by a 3-stage categorization, levels 1 to 3, based on 4 criteria: (1) capacity to carry out independent missions, (2) diversity of cleft-care professionals, (3) diversity of surgical service offered, and (4) collaboration with local hospitals. Support and training of personnel were provided based on deficiency in these criteria. Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation made close collaborations and partnerships with several organizations that shared its mission for comprehensive cleft care in developing countries., Results: In all, 19 partner cleft teams in 9 different countries were established. In coordination with these teams, NCF and CGCFC have treated 1846 patients across 78 mission trips. To date, 158 personnel from 19 different countries have been successfully trained to provide cleft care in local centers. Most partner cleft teams centers have progressively reached category level 3, including those in the Philippines, Cambodia, and Mongolia., Conclusions: In order to establish and maintain sustainable cleft care in developing regions, commitment and compassion toward those who lack essential resources are necessary. Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation and CGCFC have achieved a successful and practicable model through seeding medical personnel in order to provide effective and sustainable cleft care to the regions in need.

Background: Single-stage cleft lip and palate repair is a debated surgical approach. While some studies have described favorable outcomes, concerns include the effect on craniomaxillofacial growth and increased risk of complications. To this date, there has not been a comprehensive appraisal of available data following combined cleft lip and palate repair., Methods: An extensive literature review was performed to identify all relevant articles. The level of evidence of these articles was graded according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence Scale., Results: A total of 22 relevant articles were identified, all of which were retrospective in nature. Patient age at the time of surgery ranged from 1 month to 10 years, the longest duration of follow-up was 18 years, and the largest study included 106 patients. Review of the literature shows that overall surgical outcomes following combined cleft lip and palate repair are encouraging. An increased rate of postoperative fistulas with associated speech abnormalities in some studies is noteworthy. Importantly, there is no evidence to suggest an impact on craniomaxillofacial growth, and psychosocial outcomes and parental satisfaction seem to be improved with single-stage surgery as compared with the staged approach., Conclusions: Our review shows overall favorable outcomes associated with combined cleft lip and palate repair. The limited follow-up time or nature of evaluated outcomes in some studies may underrepresent the true rate of adverse events, and highlights the need for additional long-term studies with standardized follow-up. To our knowledge, our review is the first to evaluate existing data regarding outcomes following combined cleft lip and palate repair.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is greater in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) who underwent primary alveolar grafting (PAG) as compared with CLP waiting for secondary alveolar grafting (SAG) and with controls., Design: A retrospective analysis of intraoral photographs of 13 CLP patients who underwent a PAG, 28 CLP prior to SAG, and 60 controls without CLP was performed. Mantel-Haenszel χ tests were used to compare the 3 groups for differences in MIH scores, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to compare the groups for differences in average MIH scores. A 5% significance level was used for all tests., Results: Molar incisor hypomineralization scores were significantly higher for the PAG and SAG groups compared with the control group (P < 0.001). The PAG group had significantly higher incisor MIH (P = 0.016) compared with the SAG group. Molar incisor hypomineralization average scores were significantly higher for the 2 graft groups compared with the controls (P < 0.0001). The PAG group had significantly higher average MIH score and average MIH score for incisors compared with the SAG group (P = 0.03)., Conclusions: Cleft lip and palate patients have significantly greater MIH compared with controls, and CLP patients with PAGs have significantly greater MIH in the incisor region compared with CLP patients with SAGs, indicating that subjects with PAGs have more severely affected dentition.