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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 long-term follow-up with respect to midfacial growth.

Introduction: Individuals with cleft palate can present with velopharyngeal dysfunction after primary palatoplasty and require a secondary treatment due to insufficiency. In these cases, the pharyngeal bulb prosthesis can be used temporarily while awaiting secondary surgery. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the outcome of treatment of hypernasality with pharyngeal bulb prosthesis in patients with history of cleft palate presenting with velopharyngeal insufficiency after primary palatal surgery. We hypothesized that the use of the pharyngeal bulb prosthesis is an effective approach to eliminate hypernasality related to velopharyngeal insufficiency in patients with cleft palate. Methods: Thirty speakers of Brazilian Portuguese (15 males and 15 females) with operated cleft palate, ages ranging from 6 to 14 years (mean: 9 years; SD = 1.87 years), participated in the study. All patients were fitted with a pharyngeal bulb prosthesis to manage velopharyngeal insufficiency while they were awaiting corrective surgery to be scheduled. Auditory-perceptual analysis of speech recorded in the conditions with and without pharyngeal bulb prosthesis were obtained from three listeners who rated the presence or absence of hypernasality for this study. Results: Seventy percent of the patients eliminated hypernasality while employing the pharyngeal bulb prosthesis, while 30% still presented with hypernasality. The comparison was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The use of the pharyngeal bulb prosthesis is an effective approach to eliminate hypernasality related to velopharyngeal insufficiency. Resumo Introdução: Indivíduos com fissura palatina podem apresentar disfunção velofaríngea após a palatoplastia primária e necessitam de um secundário devido à insuficiência velofaríngea. Nesses casos, o obturador faríngeo pode ser usado temporariamente enquanto se aguarda uma cirurgia secundária. Objetivo: Investigar o resultado do tratamento da hipernasalidade com o uso de obturador faríngeo em pacientes com histórico de fissura palatina que apresentam insuficiência velofaríngea após a palatoplastia primária. Nossa hipótese é que o uso do obturador faríngeo seja uma abordagem eficaz para eliminar a hipernasalidade relacionada à insuficiência velofaríngea em pacientes com fissura palatina Método: Participaram do estudo 30 indivíduos falantes do Português Brasileiro (15 homens e 15 mulheres) com fissura palatina operada, de 6 a 14 anos de idade (média: 9 anos; DP = 1,87 anos). Todos os pacientes receberam obturador faríngeo para o tratamento da insuficiência velofaríngea, enquanto aguardavam vaga para a cirurgia secundária. A análise perceptivo-auditiva da fala, realizada nas condições com e sem obturador faríngeo, foi realizada por três ouvintes, quanto à presença e ausência da hipernasalidade. Resultados: 70% dos pacientes eliminaram a hipernasalidade de fala com o uso do obturador faríngeo, enquanto 30% não eliminaram. A comparação foi estatisticamente significante (p < 0,001). Conclusão: O uso temporário do obturador faríngeo é uma abordagem efetiva para eliminar a hipernasalidade decorrente da insuficiência velofaríngea.

Pedicled buccal fat flaps have been adopted in primary Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty palatoplasty to reduce oronasal fistula formation or to attenuate maxillary growth disturbance. We combined both goals in a single intervention. This study describes a series of 33 modified Furlow small double-opposing Z-plasty palatoplasties reinforced with a middle layer of pedicled buccal fat flaps between the oral and nasal layers for full coverage of the dissected palatal surfaces, with rapid mucosalization of lateral relaxing incisions and no dehiscence or fistula formation.

Objective The aim of this study was to describe coping strategies used by parents of children with cleft palate with or without a cleft (CP ± L) during the early development of their children in El Salvador. Design Qualitative interviews were completed with 16 parents of children born with CP ± L who were 6 months to 6 years old. Parents were questioned about their emotions and coping during eight time periods: prenatal, birth, social interaction before the first surgery, the beginning of surgeries, social interaction after the first surgery, early childhood education (ECE), speech–language therapy, and formal education. Thematic analysis (TA) was used to identify coping strategies as conceptualized by Lazarus and Folkman (1984) . Results Four major themes emerged: (a) experienced emotions related to diagnosis, (b) interpretations related to the birth of a child with a cleft, (c) seeking and experiencing cleft treatment, and (d) social interaction of the children. During prenatal and birth stages, parents used emotion-focused strategies. A few hours to a week after birth, they used problem-focused strategies, which led them in search of treatment. Some parents used avoidance strategies during periods of social interaction before surgery, ECE, and formal education. Socioeconomic challenges impacted access to speech–language therapy. Sociocultural factors, such as discrimination, religion, and folk beliefs, appeared to influence some of the coping strategies used by parents. Conclusions Problem-focused strategies appear to be helpful in seeking surgical treatments. The emotion-focused strategy of avoidance seemed to have adverse effects in minimizing opportunities for social interaction prior to surgery and early education.

Objective To assess early maxillary dentoalveolar changes in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) up to 6 months after palatoplasty. Design Pilot study. Patients and Participants Eight children with UCLP at the age of 18 to 30 months, who were awaiting palatal repair, were included. Interventions All participants with repaired lip were scheduled for palatal repair between 18 and 24 months by Bardach's technique. Main Outcome Measure(s) Arch widths, arch depths, and arch perimeter was measured on 32 dental casts of 8 participants at 4 time points: just prior to palatal repair (T1), 1 month (T2), 3 months (T3), and 6 months (T4) after palatal repair. Manual method using digital vernier caliper (Zhart, India) was used for model analysis. Intraexaminer reliability was also assessed. Results Only one examiner assessed all the dental casts after blinding. There was a significant decrease in the intercanine width (29.75 ± 1.98 mm at T1 to 26.42 ± 1.67 mm at T4; P Conclusions There was growth restriction in the anterior part of the palate, whereas the posterior region continued to grow after palatal repair. These changes were observable even in the early months after palatoplasty.

Objective To determine differences in burden of care between nonsyndromic patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate undergoing treatment at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA)-accredited centers and nonaccredited centers in New York State. Design A retrospective review of the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database from January 2001 to December 2014 was performed using ICD-9 and CPT coding. Patients, participants This study included patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate who underwent both lip and palate repairs during their first 6 years of life. Exclusion criteria included orofacial cleft syndromes, follow-up under 6 years, and one-stage combined cleft lip and palate repairs. Results Eighty-eight patients were treated at cleft centers, and 29 patients at nonaccredited centers ( n = 117). Age at primary palatoplasty (13.0 months vs 18.1 months; p = .019), total number of cleft operations (2.3 vs 2.7; p = .012), and total number of primary cleft-specific procedures (2.2 vs 2.5; p = .0049) were significantly lower for patients treated in cleft centers. Age at primary cheiloplasty (4.8 months vs 4.6 months; p = .865), post-cheiloplasty length of stay (1.2 days vs 1.2 days; p = .673), post-palatoplasty length of stay (1.5 days vs 1.9 days; p = .211), average hospital admissions (2.2 vs 2.3; p = 0.161), and total complication rates (34.1% vs 21.1%; p = 0.517) did not differ significantly between cleft centers and noncenters. Conclusions This data demonstrates some significant differences in overall 6 year burden of care for nonsyndromic patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate treated at ACPA-accredited cleft centers versus nonaccredited centers.

Purpose Persistent velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) following primary palatoplasty remains a difficult problem to treat. This study evaluates speech outcomes following revision palatoplasty with tissue augmentation using buccal myomucosal flaps (BMF) as an alternative to pharyngoplasty for patients with VPI. Methods A retrospective single-center review of revision palatoplasty with tissue augmentation at a tertiary pediatric hospital Cleft-Craniofacial Center between January 2017 and March 2021 was conducted. Patients with a history of previous palatoplasty, a diagnosis of persistent or recurrent VPI, and comprehensive pre- and postoperative speech evaluations who underwent revision palatoplasty with BMF were included. Results Twenty patients met inclusion criteria (35% female, 20% syndromic). Mean age at the time of revision palatoplasty with BMF was 9.7 years. Preoperatively, all patients had stigmatizing speech and received the recommendation for speech surgery; the mean Pittsburgh Weighted Speech Score (PWSS) was 14.3 ± 4.9. The mean postoperative PWSS at the most recent assessment was 4.2 ± 2.3, representing a statistically significant improvement from preoperative scores ( P Conclusion In patients with VPI following primary palatoplasty, revision palatoplasty with tissue augmentation offers an alternative to pharyngoplasty. This approach preserves dynamic velopharyngeal function, improves speech outcomes, and should be considered an option when treating patients with post-primary palatoplasty VPI.

Objective To evaluate the timing and safety of cleft palate (CP) repair in patients with Robin sequence (RS) treated with mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) or tongue-lip adhesion (TLA) for airway obstruction. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Tertiary Pediatric Hospital during 2004-2020. Patients 148 patients with RS underwent MDO, 66 met inclusion by having MDO and followed by palatoplasty. 26 patients with RS underwent TLA, 14 met inclusion by having TLA and followed by palatoplasty. Main Outcome Measures Patient characteristics, hospital/operative details, postoperative complications, and polysomnographic (PSG) data were compared. Results Groups were well-matched except more patients with syndromes underwent MDO (N = 27, 41%, P ≤ .002). In the MDO and TLA cohorts, mean CP repair age was 12.8 ± 1.9 months and 14.6 ± 1.6 months, respectively ( P ≤ .002). Despite the earlier CP repair in the MDO group, there were no differences in peri-operative complication rates after palatoplasty in either group. All sleep respiratory parameters improved after MDO/TLA prior to palatoplasty P ≤ .050. All PSG parameters remained significantly improved after palatoplasty compared to preoperative values, P ≤ .043. Obstructive apnea hypopnea index and Oxygen saturation nadir further improved after palatoplasty within the MDO group, P ≤ .050, while no changes in the TLA group, P ≥ .500. Conclusions MDO was associated with earlier age at palatoplasty than TLA with a similar perioperative risk profile. In those patients with pre- and post-palatoplasty PSG data, palatoplasty was not associated with a deterioration in PSG parameters, and in fact in the MDO group, PSG data improved.

To evaluate and compare the outcomes of two different surgical protocols for palatoplasty for midfacial growth in patients with cleft lip and palate. A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted in 80 patients with cleft lip and palate, who were divided into two groups. Group 1 comprised patients who underwent operation between 9 and 11 months of age using the Bardach two-flap technique without a palatal pushback. Group 2 comprised patients who had undergone operation between 18 and 20 months of age using either a Bardach two-flap technique with a palatal pushback or a von Langenbeck technique. Patient follow-up was done between 8 and 9 years of age when they reported to the centre for secondary alveolar bone grafting. Post-surgical cephalometric measurements were taken for midfacial growth analysis. Group 1 underwent palatoplasty at significantly younger ages than Group 2 (p 0.01). A statistically significant difference(p 0.01) was found between the two groups of patients on comparison of cephalometric parameters such as SNA, ANB, CoA, NperpA ANS-PNS, N-ANS, N-Me, Witt's (AO-BO). Group 2 had more positive cephalometric values as compared to Group 1, thereby implying that there was less incidence of midfacial hypoplasia in patients treated at the age of 18-20 months. Between the types of palatoplasty techniques within Group 2, i.e., Bardach two-flap and von Langenbeck, there was no statistical difference found in the post-opertative cephalometric values, i.e., SNA, ANB, CoA, ANS-PNS, N-ANS, N-Me, Witt's (AO-BO) except for Nperp-A, which showed a statistical difference (p = 0.03). Within the limitations of the study which is only a single center experience it seems that palatal closure should be carried out at 18-20 months of age for better midfacial growth, leading to decreased incidence of maxillary hypoplasia at a later stage in life. Repair at less than 18 months of age is also associated with mid-facial hypoplasia.

To date, there have been no reports of patients showing a Tessier number 7 cleft with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate. Furthermore, no studies have established the sequence, plan, or timing of surgical methods for treating patients presenting the above anomalies simultaneously. We report a case of a Tessier number 7 cleft with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate. Two months after birth, lip adhesion was performed on the unilateral complete cleft lip and total excision was performed on the skin tag. At 4 months of age, Tessier number 7 cleft was corrected. At 6 months of age, surgery involving two small triangular flaps was performed on the unilateral incomplete cleft lip after performing lip adhesion. At 13 months of age, two-flap palatoplasty with a vomer flap was performed on the complete cleft palate. At 6 years of age, open rhinoplasty was performed on the unilateral cleft lip nose deformity. At 9 years of age, bone grafting was performed for the alveolar cleft. At follow-up appointments up to 13 years of age, there were no major complications. Here, we present this patient, surgical procedures and timelines, and show our results demonstrating good postoperative outcomes.

Objectives This study aimed to compare dimensional alterations of dental arches in children with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate before and after different techniques of primary plastic surgeries. Materials and methods The sample was divided into two groups: group 1-cheiloplasty by Millard's technique and one-stage palatoplasty by von Langenbeck's technique; group 2-cheiloplasty by Millard's technique and two-stage palatoplasty: anterior palatoplasty by Hans Pichler's technique and posterior palatoplasty by Sommerlad's technique. Dental arches were evaluated before (T1), after the first phase (T2), and 1 year after the second phase (T3) of primary surgeries. Linear measurements and palatal area were assessed. To analyze the method's error, interclass correlation coefficient was applied. ANOVA (followed by Tukey test), dependent, and independent t-test were used (p Results At T1, the intertuberosity distance was statistically greater in G2 (p = 0.004). At T2, the anterior length of the dental arch was statistically greater in G2 (p = 0.025), while the area of the smaller palatal segment (p = 0.001), cleft area (p = 0.014), and total area (p = 0.002) were statistically smaller in G2. At T3, the intertuberosity distance was statistically greater in G2 (p = 0.017). Conclusion This study suggests that cheiloplasty and one-stage palatoplasty resulted in smaller growth of maxilla than cheiloplasty and two-stage palatoplasty in the linear measurements (T-T' and I-CC') and total area of the dental arches. Clinical relevance Surgical protocols need to be evaluated to verify their effects aiming at improving the clinical practice of the interdisciplinary team, determining new parameters for the rehabilitation of individuals with cleft lip and palate.

La fisura labiopalatina bilateral es una anomalía craneofacial común y multifactorial, pudiendo estar asociada a factores genéticos y ambientales. El reparo de una fisura palatina requiere de varias intervenciones quirúrgicas y no quirúrgicas por parte de un equipo multidisciplinar. El perfeccionamiento de las técnicas quirúrgicas reduce la prevalencia de complicaciones intra y posoperatorias. Como en cualquier cirugía, la palatoplastia presenta algunos riesgos inherentes. Evaluar el resultado quirúrgico es un desafío debido a los diversos factores que lo afectan; incluyendo el tipo de fisura y su extensión, peculiaridades del paciente, experiencia del cirujano, técnica adoptada y manejo posoperatorio. El presente relato de caso describe, e ilustra mediante fotografías, los datos clínicos encontrados posterior a palatoplastia de una paciente con fisura labiopalatina bilateral, así como sus complicaciones bucales y el plan de tratamiento odontológico propuesto para otorgar función y estética en el área afectada.

Objective To study the efficacy and safety profile of ketorolac in cleft palate surgery. Design Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent primary cleft palate surgery and received either postoperative ketorolac or opioids. Setting Tertiary care children's hospital. Patients, Participants Eighty-nine patients enrolled who were all younger than 36 months of age, not dependent on a gastrostomy tube, with no history of bleeding disorders, and had undergone their primary cleft palate procedure by one specific surgeon between January 2010 and June 2019. Interventions n/a. Main Outcome Measure Morphine equivalent dose (MED), Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) score, length of stay (LOS), total oral intake (mL), total oral intake/LOS, and postoperative adverse events between ketorolac and no ketorolac groups. Results MED, FLACC score, and LOS were significantly lower in the ketorolac group compared to the no ketorolac group. One patient in the ketorolac group had a bleeding event. Conclusions Use of ketorolac significantly decreased narcotic usage and pain scores as reported by the FLACC score. Moreover, postoperative bleeding was rare in both ketorolac and no ketorolac groups.

Cleft palate patients with a short palate are sometimes encountered and it is difficult to achieve effective primary palatoplasty and good speech in these cases. Our purpose was to establish an effective palatoplasty for a cleft palate patient with Randall type III short palate. Buccal musculomucosal flap on the nasal side and skin graft on the oral side were performed, along with double opposing Z-plasty. Speech improved postoperation. This procedure brought the nasopharyngeal area closer to the normal anatomical state. In terms of disadvantages, the procedure is rather complicated and depends on the engraftment rate.

Objective Palatoplasty would involve the structures around the pterygoid hamulus. However, clinicians hold different opinions on the optimal approach for the muscles and palatine aponeurosis around the pterygoid hamulus. The absence of a consensus regarding this point can be attributed to the lack of investigations on the exact anatomy of this region. Therefore, we used micro-computed tomography to examine the anatomical structure of the region surrounding the pterygoid hamulus. Design Cadaveric specimens were stained with iodine–potassium iodide and scanned by micro-computed tomography to study the structures of the tissues, particularly the muscle fibers. We imported Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine images to Mimics to reconstruct a 3-dimensional model and simplified the model. Results Three muscles were present around the pterygoid hamulus, namely the palatopharyngeus (PP), superior constrictor (SC), and tensor veli palatini (TVP). The hamulus connects these muscles as a key pivot. The TVP extended to the palatine aponeurosis, which bypassed the pterygoid hamulus, and linked the PP and SC. Some muscle fibers of the SC originated from the hamulus, the aponeurosis of which was wrapped around the hamulus. There was a distinct gap between the pterygoid hamulus and the palatine aponeurosis. This formed a pulley-like structure around the pterygoid hamulus. Conclusions Transection or fracture of the palatine aponeurosis or pterygoid hamulus, respectively, may have detrimental effects on the muscles around the pterygoid hamulus, which play essential roles in the velopharyngeal function and middle ear ventilation. Currently, cleft palate repair has limited treatment options with proven successful outcomes.

Primary palatoplasty for cleft palate places patients at high risk for scarring, altered vascularity, and persistent tension. Palatal fistulas are a challenging complication of primary palatoplasty that typically form around the hard palate–soft palate junction. Repairing palatal fistulas, particularly wide fistulas, is extremely difficult because there are not many choices for closure. However, a few techniques are commonly used to close the remaining fistula after primary palatoplasty. Herein, we report the revision of a palatal fistula using a pedicled buccal fat pad and palatal lengthening with a buccinator myomucosal flap and sphincter pharyngoplasty to treat a patient with a wide palatal fistula. Tension-free closure of the palatal fistula was achieved, as well as velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) correction. This surgical method enhanced healing, minimized palatal contracture and shortening, and reduced the risk of infection. The palate healed with mucosalization at 2 weeks, and no complications were noted after 4 years of follow-up. Therefore, these flaps should be considered as an option for closure of large oronasal fistulas and VPI correction in young patients with wide palatal defects and VPI.

Background: Common surgical techniques aim to turn the entire vomerine mucosa with vomer flaps either to the oral side or to the nasal side. The latter approach is widely performed due to the similarity in color to the nasal mucosa. However, we lack a histologic description of the curved vomerine mucosa in cleft lip and palate malformations. Methods: We histologically examined an excess of curved vomerine mucosa in 8 patients using hematoxylin–eosin, periodic acid–Schiff, Elastin van Gieson, and Alcian blue stains. Tissue samples were obtained during surgery at 8 months of age. Results: Our histological analysis of the mucoperiosteum overlying the curved vomer revealed characteristics consistent with those of an oral mucosa or a squamous metaplasia of the nasal mucosa, as exhibited by a stratified squamous epithelium containing numerous seromucous glands. Some areas showed a palisaded arrangement of the basal cells compatible with metaplasia of respiratory epithelium, but no goblet cells or respiratory cilia were identified. Abundant fibrosis and rich vascularity were present. Conclusion: The vomer mucosa showed no specific signs of nasal mucosa. These findings should be considered in presurgical cleft orthopedics and palatal surgery for further refinement. Shifting the vomer mucosa according to a fixed physiologic belief should not overrule other important aspects of cleft repair such as primary healing and establishing optimal form and function of palatal roof and nasal floor.

Objective By measuring velopharyngeal structure and evaluating speech intelligibility, to explore and observe the association between velopharyngeal anatomy and speech outcomes in these patients. Methods Thirty-one adult patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency after the primary palatoplasty aged 18 to 35 years (mean 22.03 years) were enrolled as the study group. The patients had significant hypernasality and audible nasal emission. The degree of velopharyngeal closure assessed by electronic nasopharyngeal fiberoptic endoscopy was grade III. Cephalometric analysis was performed on lateral cephalograms to measure velopharyngeal structure, including hard palate length (ANS-PNS), velar length (PNS-U), pharyngeal depth (PNS-PPW), and oropharyngeal airway space (U-MPW). Their speech intelligibility was evaluated through the Mandarin Chinese speech intelligibility test, and each speech sample was examined by 2 speech and language pathologists. The results were assessed with the SPSS 23.0 software package, and regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between velopharyngeal structure and speech outcomes. Results A significant negative correlation was confirmed between speech intelligibility and pharyngeal depth. Pharyngeal depth also showed a linear relationship with speech intelligibility, and there was no significant correlation between speech intelligibility and other measures (hard palate length, velar length, oropharyngeal airway space). Conclusions In the velopharyngeal anatomy, only pharyngeal depth was associated with speech intelligibility in adult patients with severe velopharyngeal insufficiency, this is consistent with our clinical observation. It suggests that appropriate reduction of pharyngeal depth during palatopharyngoplasty may have a good effect on the speech recovery in patients with cleft palate and patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency after palatorrhaphy.

Objective The study aims to evaluate posterior pharyngeal wall augmentation using autologous tragal cartilage graft in adults with velopharyngeal valve insufficiency (VPI). Methods The study included 23 patients with VPI (grade I, II, III), with ages ranging from 19 to 45 years. Six patients had previously undergone simple palatoplasty for cleft palate, 8 patients had previously undergone adenotonsillectomy and 9 patients had previously undergone uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). The procedure was done by implanting a piece of autologous tragal cartilage in the posterior pharyngeal wall. Patients were followed up for 24 months postoperatively. The evaluation of percent of speech intelligibility and grade of the closure of the velopharyngeal valve using video-nasopharyngoscopy was evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. Results Highly statistically significant improvement in the grade of the closure of the velopharyngeal valve (P = 0.009) and percent of intelligibility (P = 0.001) was found after surgery. There were no postoperative airway obstruction or sleep apnea. Conclusion Augmentation of the posterior pharyngeal wall using tragal cartilage is an effective, safe and physiological surgical procedure in the management of VPI in adults who suffered hypernasality following palatal and oropharyngeal surgeries.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the surgical impact of the pedicled buccal fat pad (BFP) flap on the levator veli palatini (LVP) muscle and surrounding velopharyngeal (VP) anatomy following primary palatoplasty using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Design: Observational, prospective. Setting: MRI studies were completed at 3 different facilities. All participants with BFP flap were operated on by the same surgeon. Participants: Five pediatric participants with cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP±L) who underwent primary palatoplasty with BFP flap placement. Comparison groups consisted of 10 participants: 5 with CP±L who did not receive the BFP flap and 5 healthy controls. Interventions: All participants underwent nonsedated MRI 2 to 5 years postoperatively. Main Outcomes and Measures: Anatomical measures of the velopharynx and LVP among the 3 participant groups. Results: Median values were significantly different among groups for velar length ( P = .042), effective velar length ( P = .048), effective VP ratio ( P = .046), LVP length ( P = .021), extravelar LVP length ( P = .009), and LVP origin–origin distance ( P = .030). Post hoc analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the BFP and traditional repair groups for effective VP ratio ( P = .040), extravelar LVP length ( P = .033), and LVP length ( P = .022). Conclusions: This study provides preliminary support that the BFP flap creates a longer velum, with increased distance between the posterior hard palate and the LVP, and a larger effective VP ratio compared to traditional surgical techniques. Future research is needed to determine whether this procedure provides a more favorable mechanism for VP closure.

Objective: It is important for health care education materials to be easily understood by caretakers of children requiring craniofacial surgery. This study aimed to analyze the readability of Google search results as they pertain to “Cleft Palate Surgery” and “Palatoplasty.” Additionally, the study included a search from several locations globally to identify possible geographic differences. Design: Google searches of the terms “Cleft Palate Surgery” and “Palatoplasty” were performed. Additionally, searches of only “Cleft Palate Surgery” were run from several internet protocol addresses globally. Main Outcome Measures: Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level and Readability Ease, Gunning Fog Index, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) index, and Coleman-Liau Index. Results: Search results for “Cleft Palate Surgery” were easier to read and comprehend compared to search results for “Palatoplasty.” Mean Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level scores were 7.0 and 10.11, respectively ( P = .0018). Mean Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease scores were 61.29 and 40.71, respectively ( P = .0003). Mean Gunning Fog Index scores were 8.370 and 10.34, respectively ( P = .0458). Mean SMOG Index scores were 6.84 and 8.47, respectively ( P = .0260). Mean Coleman-Liau Index scores were 12.95 and 15.33, respectively ( P = .0281). No significant differences were found in any of the readability measures based on global location. Conclusions: Although some improvement can be made, craniofacial surgeons can be confident in the online information pertaining to cleft palate repair, regardless of where the search is performed from. The average readability of the top search results for “Cleft Palate Surgery” is around the seventh-grade reading level (US educational system) and compares favorably to other health care readability analyses.

Purpose: Primary palatoplasties using the Anatomic Cleft Restoration Philosophy uses the buccinator myomucosal flap (buccal flap) as the major tissue replacement flap to correct the tissue deficiency within the cleft palate malformation. The surgical approach aims to close the palate without tension, lengthen the palate, reconstruct the levator muscular sling, not inhibit craniofacial growth and achieve proper resonance for speech. The purpose of this study is to present preliminary data on velopharyngeal variables to demonstrate the muscle and tissue morphology in adults with cleft palate who have not received a secondary surgery for speech or orthognathic surgery. Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging was used to analyze velopharyngeal variables for 2 individuals with the buccal flap approach and 2 individuals who received a traditional cleft palate repair. Linear measurements were obtained and 2 velopharyngeal ratios were calculated. Results: All variables were compared to previously published normative data of velopharyngeal variables for individuals with non-cleft anatomy who are of the same race, sex, and of similar age. The individuals with the buccal flap approach presented with a similar velar length and levator length in comparison to individuals with non-cleft anatomy. The individuals with the buccal flap approach presented with a longer effective velar length and velar length in comparison to individuals with a traditional cleft palate repair. Visually, the individual with the buccal flap presents with a thicker tissue mass between the hard and soft palate junction. Conclusions: In this case study, individuals who received a primary palatoplasty with the buccal flap approach presented with a longer velum and effective velar length in comparison to individuals with a traditional cleft palate repair and those with non-cleft anatomy. This study highlights the utility of using magnetic resonance imaging to quantify the changes that occur to the velopharyngeal anatomy following the buccal flap surgical approach.

BACKGROUND The submucous cleft palate can be overt or occult and may require surgical repair. The double-opposing Z-plasty (Furlow repair) is the authors' center's preferred approach. This study evaluated complication rates, differences in outcome between overt and occult types, and patient factors associated with surgical failure. METHODS This retrospective study reviewed documentation on all patients who underwent Furlow Z-plasty for submucous cleft palate at a single center between 2004 and 2018. Speech pathology was quantified using the Pittsburgh Weighted Speech Score. RESULTS A total of 351 patients were included (125 overt and 226 occult cases). Furlow Z-plasty was successful (postoperative Pittsburgh Weighted Speech Score

Summary: Cleft lip and palate are the most widely recognized craniofacial congenital malformation. The buccal fat pad (BFP) can be utilized to close lateral fistulas at the time of palatoplasty due to its rich blood supply and simple accessibility. The aim is to report on the use of BFP as a pedicled flap in cleft palate surgery and to discuss promising results for this reconstructive concept. The case subject was a five-year-old male born with cleft lip and palate; the cleft lip was operated on 4 months old. The patient was operated on using Bardach's two flap palatoplasty techniques, and for the closure of the lateral lining defect, the BFP was used as a pedicled flap. After the surgery, no abnormality was found, including infection, graft loss, palatal fistulas, or cheek depression. All wounds were fully epithelialized. In palatoplasty, BFP is a safe and reliable method with a fast healing benefit.

Campomelic dysplasia (CMPD) is a skeletal disorder resulting from SOX9 gene mutations. Palatoplasty is rare due to a high lethality rate in infants from respiratory distress. Our patient had characteristic symptoms of CMPD, including short bowed limbs, macrocephaly, low-set ears, short palpebral fissures, hypertelorism, a flat nasal bridge, a long philtrum, micrognathia, and a cleft palate. We performed a Furlow palatoplasty when the patient was 2 years 9 months of age, after respiratory conditions had stabilized. We reviewed the literature of CMPD cases that underwent palatoplasty and discussed the optimal timing and surgical methods.

Untreated adult or elderly cleft lip and palate patients are rarely seen, but studies on delayed primary palatal closure have been performed in the less developed Asian and African countries, where access to medical care is difficult. A 64-year-old woman visited our clinic with untreated cleft palate with a 40×20-mm-wide defect in the medial palate. Two-flap palatoplasty under general anesthesia was performed to close the cleft palate. After 1 month, the result was favorable without any complications including oronasal fistula. Cleft palate primary repair in an elderly patient is rare and has some surgical problems that are associated with a wide range of defects, but good results can be obtained if surgery is performed well with appropriate considerations.

Objective: To compare occlusal relationship in patients undergoing neonate versus conventional lip surgery (LS) with and without infant orthopedics (IO) by assessment of dental arch relationship in individuals with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. Material and Methods: Three groups treated by different protocols; Group I: neonate LS (1-15 days) + IO and palatoplasty (13-31 months); Group II: LS (3-12 months) + IO and palatoplasty (15-35 months); and Group III: LS (3-6 months) without IO and palatoplasty (12-18 months). The 112 intraoral photographs of individuals of all groups, obtained between 6 and 12 years of age, were assessed by the occlusal index for intraoral photograph rating. The groups were compared by the χ2 test. The correlation between surgical timing and the scores was tested by the Spearman test ( P < .05). Results: Group I presented the highest percentage of score 5, group II exhibited highest percentage of score 1, and group III presented the lowest percentage of score 5 according to the χ2 test ( P = .029). The Spearman correlation test revealed statistically significant difference between timing of LS and the occlusal index. The earlier the surgical timing, the higher the occlusal index ( P = .019). Conclusions: Infant orthopedics has demonstrated the possibility of postponing primary plastic surgeries. Patients submitted to late lip and palate repair had the best prognosis, while patients undergoing lip repair from 1 to 15 days of life, even operating the palate later, had the worst prognosis. Neonate LS negatively influenced the occlusal relationships.

Background: This paper aims to examine published articles between January 2008 and January 2019 on the different palatal surgeries performed on OSA patients and the treatment outcomes, which in turn will be used to determine the effectiveness of various palatal surgical techniques in treating OSAS and the most effective of the palatal surgical techniques in treating OSAS. Patients and Methods: The current review followed the guidelines of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis statement 2009 (PRISMA). The quality of relevant studies was assessed using NIH quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies as well as NIH tool for quality assessment for case series studies. Results: Meta-analyses of relevant studies showed that the surgical technique that achieved the best reduction on AHI (Apnea/Hypopnea Index) was the lateral pharyngoplasty followed by the Anterior Palatoplasty, with a significant mean reduction of [(SMD = −0.848, 95% CI (−1.209 - −0.487), p-value < 0.001) and (SMD = −0.864, 95% CI (−1.234 - −0.494), p-value < 0.001), respectively]. The technique responsible for the best improvement in Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) was the Relocation Pharyngoplasty, with a significant mean reduction of [SMD = −0.998, 95% CI (−1.253 - −0.743), p-value < 0.001]. Minimal O2 saturation level improved most with the Expansion Sphincter Pharyngoplasty, with a significant mean reduction of [SMD = 1.011, 95% CI (0.581 - 1.440), p-value < 0.001]. The surgical procedure that results in the best post-operative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was Z-Palatoplasty, with a significant mean reduction of [SMD = −1.551, 95% CI (−2.049 - −1.052), p-value < 0.001]. Soft palate length changes with a significant mean reduction of [SMD = −2.219, 95% CI (−2.730 - −1.708), p-value < 0.001]. Finally, meta-analyses of relevant studies showed that expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty achieved the overall highest success rate [event rate = 77%, 95% CI (65.4% - 85.5%), p-value < 0.001]. Conclusion: The best procedure for treating OSA varies from patient to patient and there is no universal cure-all. Careful patient selection and pre-operative evaluation are mandatory.

Objective To evaluate maxillofacial growth and velopharyngeal function in patients with isolated cleft palate who had undergone palatoplasty using a mucosal flap. Methods Measurements from lateral cephalograms taken at age 6 years of 44 patients (mucosal flap group) were obtained and compared with data reported in the literature for approximately age-matched children without cleft palate. We also compared maxillofacial growth in a subgroup analysis based on the anteroposterior length of the palatal bone defect. In addition, we examined velopharyngeal function at age 5–6 years. Results Compared with the non-cleft group, the mucosal flap group had a shorter anteroposterior length of the anterior base of the skull, shorter maxillary alveolar base, shorter mandibular body, shorter posterior maxillary height, and posteroinferior rotation of the mandible. In the mucosal flap group, the anteroposterior length of the maxillary alveolar base was shorter when the palatal bone defect extended anteriorly than when it was limited to the posterior region. In the mucosal flap group, 88.6 % had favorable velopharyngeal function. In patients who developed anterior fistula after palatoplasty, expiratory nasal emission could be reduced using a speech plate. Conclusions Use of a mucosal flap during palatoplasty is useful from the perspective of maxillofacial growth and velopharyngeal function in patients with isolated cleft palate.

Bardach described a closure of the cleft utilizing the arch of the palate, which provides the length needed for closure and is most effective only in narrow clefts. Herein, we describe a case where we utilized Bardach’s two-flap technique with a vital and easy modification, done to allow closure of a wide cleft palate and to prevent oronasal fistula formation at the junction of the hard and soft palate, which are otherwise difficult to manage with conventional flaps. The closed palate showed healthy healing, palatal lengthening, and no oronasal regurgitation. We advise using this modification to achieve the goals of palatal repair in difficult cases where tension-free closure would otherwise be achieved with more complex flap surgical techniques, such as free microvascular tissue transfer.

Introduction: Oronasal fistulae following palatoplasty may affect patients’ quality of life by impacting their ability to eat, speak, and maintain oral hygiene. We aimed to quantify the impact of previous oronasal fistula repair on patients’ quality of life using patient-reported outcome psychometric tools. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 8- to 9-year-old patients with cleft palate and/or lip was completed. Patients who had a cleft team clinic between September 2018 and August 2019 were recruited. Participants were divided into 2 groups (no fistula, prior fistula repair). Differences in the individual CLEFT-Q and Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form 19 (COHIP-SF 19) Oral Health scores between the 2 groups were evaluated using a multivariate analysis controlling for Veau classification and syndromic diagnosis. Results: Sixty patients with a history of cleft palate were included. Forty-two (70%) patients had an associated cleft lip. Thirty-two (53.3%) patients had no history of fistula and 28 (46.7%) patients had undergone a fistula repair. CLEFT-Q Dental, Jaw, and Speech Function were all higher in patients without a history of a fistula repair; however, none of these differences were statistically significant. The COHIP-SF 19 Oral Health score demonstrated a significantly lower score in the fistula group, indicating poorer oral health ( P = .05). Conclusions: One would expect that successful repair of a fistula would result in improved function and patient satisfaction, but the consistent trend toward lower CLEFT-Q scores and significantly increased COHIP-SF 19 Oral Health scores in our study group suggests that residual effects linger and that the morbidity of a fistula may not be completely treated with a secondary correction.

Objectives: To determine the incidence of oronasal fistulas (ONF) associated with primary repair of the anterior palate using a single-layered, superiorly based, vomer mucoperiosteal flap. Design: A systematic review of MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases using the keywords: “vomer flap” and “cleft palate repair” were carried out. A meta-analysis was performed using random effect modeling with stratified analysis by syndromic diagnosis, number of surgeons, and mean age. Main Outcome Measure(s): Incidence of ONFs. Results: The meta-analysis included 9 studies with a total of 464 children who met inclusion criteria. The overall ONF rate was 3.0% (95% CI: 1.0-9.0). Fistula rates were not significantly different in studies that included syndromic patients compared to studies that did not, 5.0% (95% CI: 1.0-24.0) versus 3.0% (95% CI: 1.0-6.0), respectively. There was no significant difference between studies in which there was a single surgeon versus multiple surgeons, 3.0% (95% CI: 1.0-13.0) versus 4.0% (95% CI: 1.0-8.0), respectively. Age at the time of cleft repair showed no statistically significant difference in fistula rate when comparing children with a mean age less than 12 months to those greater than 12 months, 3.0% (95% CI: 1.0-5.0) versus 5.0% (95% CI: 1.0-28.0), respectively. Conclusions: The vomer flap technique in cleft palate repair appears to be associated with a low ONF rate unaffected by syndromic diagnosis, number of surgeons, or patient age at time of repair.

BACKGROUND: This cohort study aimed to assess how age at repair affects outcomes in nonsyndromic patients with and without Robin Sequence using a national database of commercial healthcare claims. METHODS: Children under 4 years of age undergoing palatoplasty were identified in the IBM® MarketScan® Commercial Database based on ICD-9-CM and CPT procedure codes. They were divided into Robin and non-Robin cleft palate groups, and further divided by time of initial cleft palate repair: Robin Sequence into 2 groups: age ≤10 months or >10 months; non-Robin cleft palate into 3 groups: age ≤10 months, >10–14 months, or >14 months age. Time to cleft palate revision within each group was assessed using Cox proportional-hazard models. RESULTS: 261 patients with Robin Sequence and 3046 with non-Robin cleft palate were identified. In patients with Robin, later repair was associated with decreased risk of secondary procedures compared with early repair (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.19, 95%CI 0.09–0.39, p10–14 months (adjusted HR 0.40, 95%CI 0.31–0.52, p 14 months (adjusted HR 0.71, 95%CI 0.57–0.88, p=0.002). Adjusting for timing of repair, patients with non-Robin cleft palate were at significantly increased risk of secondary procedure if diagnosed with failure to thrive or anemia in the 30 days prior to palatoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with and without Robin sequence, cleft palate repair at or before 10 months of age was associated with higher risk for secondary procedures.

Introduction: Cleft palate is amongst the most common birth defect across the world. Although its etiology is multifactorial, including genetic and environmental contributors, the investigators were interested in exploring whether its incidence was changing over time. Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, the largest publically available healthcare database in the United States, was used to identify all primary palatoplasties performed under 2 years of age and births which occurred over a 17-year period from 1999 to 2015. The change in rate of palatoplasties and overall maternal demographics were assessed longitudinally using the chi-squared test. Significance level was set at P < 0.001. Results: A total of 13,808,795 pregnancies were reviewed during the time period, from 1999 to 2015, inclusively. A total of 10,567 primary palatoplasties were performed in that period of time reflecting an overall rate of 7.7 palatoplasties per 10,000 deliveries. Palatoplasty rates decreased across the study period from 9.5 per 10,000 in 1999 to 7.1 per 10,000 died/delivered pregnancies in 2015 which corresponds to an average compounded year-to-year decrease of 1.76%, P < 0.001. Conclusions: The rate of primary palatoplasties, as a proxy for the rate of cleft palate prevalence, has been significantly decreasing over the last 2 decades and may represent improvements in early diagnosis in pregnancy, changing genetic or racial demographics, and/or environmental factors such as decreased maternal smoking in the US population. Future research may be directed at better understanding the definitive etiology of this decreasing prevalence of children undergoing primary cleft palate repairs in the United States.

Background Although most patients attain normal speech after cleft palate repair, up to 20 percent require secondary speech surgery. Despite the frequency of these procedures, complications and rates of subsequent revisions of secondary speech surgery after all procedure types have never been reviewed using national, longitudinal data. Methods The authors examined insurance claims from Clinformatics Data Mart between 2001 and 2017. Cases were categorized as palatalprocedures (i.e., palatoplasty, revision palatoplasty, secondary lengthening, palatal island flap) or pharyngeal procedures (i.e., pharyngeal flap, dynamic sphincter pharyngoplasty) (n = 846). Continuous enrollment from 180 days before to 30 days after surgery was required. Patients were excluded if they underwent palatoplasty, or any surgery at less than 3 years of age, without a speech diagnosis. Outcomes included 30-day complications and rates of subsequent revision secondary speech surgery. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between procedure type and complications. Results In this cohort, 52.5 percent underwent pharyngeal procedures, and 47.5 percent underwent palatal procedures. Complications occurred in 10.9 percent of patients and included respiratory complications (4.0 percent), bleeding (1.2 percent), dehiscence (3.6 percent), and critical care episodes (3.0 percent). There was no difference in complications between procedure types (OR, 0.87; 95 percent CI, 0.56 to 1.37; p = 0.56). The subsequent revision rate was 12.7 percent, but was 21.7 percent in patients with 3 years of postoperative enrollment. Conclusions Although complication rates were comparable to those in recent literature, rates of subsequent revisions of secondary speech procedures were high in patients with longer postoperative enrollment. Thus, these patients merit prolonged follow-up, as velopharyngeal dysfunction may recur over time. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic, III.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To assess the incidence of palatal fistula after primary repair of the cleft palate among two cohorts of Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeons and to identify patient and surgeon characteristics that may predict fistula development. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series with chart review. METHODS Children who underwent primary repair of cleft palate at one of two multidisciplinary cleft centers over a 10 year period were identified. Charts were reviewed for the presence of palatal fistula; chi square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine variables associated with fistula formation. RESULTS From 2007 to 2017, 477 patients underwent primary repair of cleft palate by one of 6 Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeons. Twenty-four children had incomplete charts, allowing 453 patients to be included in the final analysis. The pooled mean incidence of palatal fistula was 6.6% (P = .525) and varied significantly by cleft type. Logistic regression analysis controlling for multiple variables, showed that Veau IV classification had the highest risk of fistula (OR = 10.582; P = .004). Repair by a specific surgeon was not a significant risk factor for fistula development (P > .07 for each surgeon). CONCLUSIONS Among six Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeons with fellowship training in cleft palate repair postoperative fistula rates were consistent and compared favorably to standards in the Cleft and Craniofacial surgery literature established by other surgical specialties. Consistent with larger database studies involving multiple surgical specialties, Veau IV classification was the strongest predictor of palatal fistula development, even after adjusting for multiple variables, including differing levels of experience. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 131:1281-1285, 2021.

Objective: The present study aims to expose through a literature review the cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/CP) and its treatment in a multidisciplinary approach. Methodology: This literature review was conducted by the leading health databases: Pubmed (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed). The keywords for the textual search were: Cleft Lip; Cleft Palate; Dental Staff; Classification; Embryology. The inclusion criteria were: literature on the subject under study, literature of the last years, english language, laboratory and clinical studies and systematic review. Literature Review: Fissures can be defined by a space at the junction between two bones, usually where there would be a suture. Orofacial clefts are part of the congenital facial anomalies resulted from the non-junction of the embryonic facial processes. These changes occur due to an alteration in the migratory velocity of the neural crest cells, in charge of the phenomenon of fusion of the facial prominences between the 6th and 9thweek of embryonic life. Conclusion: The treatment of patients with orofacial clefts requires the approach of a multidisciplinary team that involves physicians in the area of plastic surgery, otorhinolaryngology, pediatrics, geneticists, dentists, prosthetics, nurses and speech pathologists, focusing on patient prevention, recovery and rehabilitation. However, further studies are needed for a better understanding of the subject and the steps that should be applied for each particular case.Descriptors: Cleft Lip; Cleft Palate; Dental Staff; Classification; Embryology.ReferencesShaw WC, Brattström V, Mølsted K, Prahl-Andersen B, Roberts CT, Semb G. The Eurocleft study: intercenter study of treatment outcome in patients with complete cleft lip and palate. Part 5: discussion and conclusions. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2005;42(1):93-8. Friede H, Lilja J. The Eurocleft Study: Intercenter study of treatment outcome in patients with complete cleft lip and palate. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2005;42(4):453-54.Rosenstein SW, Grasseschi M, Dado D. The Eurocleft Study: Intercenter study of treatment outcome in patients with complete cleft lip and palate. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2005;42(4):453.Semb G, Brattström V, Mølsted K, Prahl-Andersen B, Zuurbier P, Rumsey N, Shaw WC. The Eurocleft study: intercenter study of treatment outcome in patients with complete cleft lip and palate. Part 4: relationship among treatment outcome, patient/parent satisfaction, and the burden of care. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2005;42(1):83-92. Watkins SE, Meyer RE, Strauss RP, Aylsworth AS. Classification, epidemiology, and genetics of orofacial clefts. Clin Plast Surg. 2014;41(2):149-63. Coleman JR Jr, Sykes JM. The embryology, classification, epidemiology, and genetics of facial clefting. 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Evaluation of the presence of MMP-2, TIMP-2, BMP2/4, and TGFβ3 in the facial tissue of children with cleft lip and palate. Acta Med Litu. 2018;25(2):86-94. AlHayyan WA, Pani SC, AlJohar AJ, AlQatami FM. The Effects of Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding on the Midface Symmetry of Children with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: A Long-term Follow-up Study. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2018;6(7):e1764. Thakur S, Singh A, Thakur NS, Diwana VK. Achievement in Nasal Symmetry after Cheiloplasty in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Infants Treated with Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding. Contemp Clin Dent. 2018;9(3):357-60. Turri de Castro Ribeiro T, Petri Feitosa MC, Almeida Penhavel R, Zanda RS, Janson G, Mazzottini R, Garib DG. Extreme maxillomandibular discrepancy in unilateral cleft lip and palate: Longitudinal follow-up in a patient with mandibular prognathism. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2018;154(2):294-304. Perillo L, Vitale M, d'Apuzzo F, Isola G, Nucera R, Matarese G. Interdisciplinary approach for a patient with unilateral cleft lip and palate. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2018;153(6):883-94. Hoffmannova E, Moslerová V, Dupej J, Borský J, Bejdová Š, Velemínská J. Three-dimensional development of the upper dental arch in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients after early neonatal cheiloplasty. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2018;109:1-6. Tan ELY, Kuek MC, Wong HC, Ong SAK, Yow M. Secondary Dentition Characteristics in Children With Nonsyndromic Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: A Retrospective Study. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2018;55(4):582-89. Rodrigues R, Fernandes MH, Monteiro AB, Furfuro R, Sequeira T, Silva CC, Manso MC. SPINA classification of cleft lip and palate: A suggestion for a complement. Arch Pediatr. 2018;25(7):439-41. Ortiz-Posadas MR, Vega-Alvarado L, Maya-Behar J. A new approach to classify cleft lip and palate. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2001;38(6):545-50.Spina V, Psillakis JM, Lapa FS, Ferreira MC. Classificação das fissuras lábio-palatinas. Sugestão de modificação [Classification of cleft lip and cleft palate. Suggested changes]. Rev Hosp Clin Fac Med Sao Paulo. 1972;27(1):5-6. Allori AC, Mulliken JB, Meara JG, Shusterman S, Marcus JR. Classification of Cleft Lip/Palate: Then and Now. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2017;54(2):175-88. Spina V. A proposed modification for the classification of cleft lip and cleft palate. Cleft Palate J. 1973;10:251-2. Yun-Chia Ku M, Lo LJ, Chen MC, Wen-Ching Ko E. Predicting need for orthognathic surgery in early permanent dentition patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2018;153(3):405-14. Garib D, Yatabe M, de Souza Faco RA, Gregório L, Cevidanes L, de Clerck H. Bone-anchored maxillary protraction in a patient with complete cleft lip and palate: A case report. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2018;153(2):290-97. De Stefani A, Bruno G, Balasso P, Mazzoleni S, Baciliero U, Gracco A. Teeth agenesis evaluation in an Italian sample of complete unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate patients. Minerva Stomatol. 2018;67(4):156-64. Chang SY, Lonic D, Pai BC, Lo LJ. Primary Repair in Patients With Unilateral Complete Cleft of Lip and Primary Palate: Assessment of Outcomes. Ann Plast Surg. 2018;80(2S Suppl 1):S2-6.Vura N, Gaddipati R, Palla Y, Kumar P. An Intraoral Appliance to Retract the Protrusive Premaxilla in Bilateral Cleft Lip Patients Presenting Late for Primary Lip Repair. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2018;55(4):622-25.Massie JP, Bruckman K, Rifkin WJ, Runyan CM, Shetye PR, Grayson B, Flores RL. The Effect of Nasoalveolar Molding on Nasal Airway Anatomy: A 9-Year Follow-up of Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2018;55(4):596-601. Jabbari F, Wiklander L, Reiser E, Thor A, Hakelius M, Nowinski D. 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Posterior pharyngeal flap palatoplasty is used to restore the function of velopharyngeal (VP) closure, after which 2 ports remain between the nasal and oral cavity. The authors hypothesized that the airflow dynamics of the upper airway is different in PPF patients compared to health subjects, who only has 1 movable port. Twenty adults who have multislice spiral computed tomography scan were included in this study. Two cylinders (radius, 2.00 mm; height, 4.5 mm) were used to recapitulate the 2-port VP structure after PPF palatoplasty. The areas of ports were modified by changing the radius of 2 cylinders. Real-time computational fluid dynamics simulation was used to capture the airflow velocity and pressures through the 2 ports. The airflow velocity and pressure of upper airway were recorded as the total areas of 2 VP ports increased. The total orifice areas of the 2-port VP closure for 4 VP conditions, including adequate closure, adequate/borderline closure, borderline/inadequate closure, and inadequate closure, were demonstrated. Significant differences between the 2-port VP function for demonstrating PPF reconstruction and the 1-port VP function were found. Airflow dynamics is dependent on the VP structure. The 2-port airflow model for mimicking VP closure after PPF palatoplasty demonstrated airflow characteristics that were significantly different from the 1-port model in normal VP closure.

Minimal blood loss in palatoplasty can be achieved with adrenaline saline hydro dissection, and a good knowledge of key anatomical structures as well as the stubborn areas of static resistance, where dissection is difficult because of fixed tissue planes. With the advent of minimal incision palatoplasty, button-hole and medial-only incision procedures, the amount of blood loss is significantly reduced in most palate operations. The two-stage palate repair also leads to less blood loss and is a popular concept among cleft groups worldwide following the initial promotion by Swedish cleft groups at Gothenburg. The learning curve is reasonable and techniques can be added, as one gains more experience with cleft palate surgeries.

Objective This study assessed the rate of maxillary osteotomies after cleft palate surgery following a standardized two-stage palatoplasty protocol. In order to improve our treatment strategy, the results were compared with the data extracted from the literature by means of a systematic review. Design Retrospective cohort study. Patients Non-syndromic cleft lip, alveolus, and palate patients with complete records who underwent primary cleft palate surgery. Intervention The incidence of midface hypoplasia after primary cleft surgery that required surgical intervention was retrospectively evaluated. Results Of the final 51 patients included in our retrospective analysis, two required a maxillary repositioning osteotomy. The frequency was lower than reported in the literature. In the literature, there was no difference between patients treated according to a one-stage protocol (21%) and patients treated according to a two-stage protocol (20.8%), but a higher incidence of pharyngeal surgery was noted in the two-stage closure group. Only the cleft type, timing of hard palate closure, and orthodontic treatment proved to influence the need for maxillary osteotomy. Conclusion Our protocol shows promising results and needs more validation.

BACKGROUND Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been adopted for many types of surgery. Postoperative pain following palatoplasty may cause feeding and swallowing difficulty. Our study evaluated the use of ERAS protocols to improve the management of pain following primary palatoplasty as well as in the transition of care from inpatient to outpatient. METHODS An Institutional Review Board approved retrospective analysis was performed for patients who previously underwent primary palatoplasty before ERAS implementation. Separately, an Institutional Review Board approved prospective trial of patients undergoing primary palatoplasty was performed and these patients were managed with ERAS protocols. Data were obtained for length of stay, pain scale scores, milligrams of morphine administered, and inpatient readmissions/emergency department visits. Outpatient medication logs were used to follow pain medicine usage, and a satisfaction survey was administered at the first postoperative visit. RESULTS Data were obtained retrospectively for 56 patients and prospectively for 57 patients who underwent primary palatoplasty. Patients in the ERAS protocol received significantly less milligrams of morphine on postoperative day 1 through day 4 than those patients in the usual care group P

We aimed to evaluate velopharyngeal function and speech outcomes of Sommerlad palatoplasty combined with sphincter pharyngoplasty in surgical repair of cleft palate in patients over five years old. Fifty-eight patients were reviewed between the years 2013 and 2017, 31 of whom were treated with Sommerlad palatoplasty combined with sphincter pharyngoplasty, (mean age 15 (range 9 - 22) years), and 27 were treated with Sommerlad palatoplasty alone (mean age 18 (range 10-25) years). Velopharyngeal function was evaluated by radiographic lateral cephalometry and nasoendoscopy. Hypernasality, nasal emissions, and intelligibility were used to assess speech. The rate of velopharyngeal competence was 20/31 in the palatoplasty plus pharyngoplasty group and 7/27 in the palatoplasty alone group after surgical treatment (p=0.003). The improvements in hypernasality (p=0.024), air emission (p=0.004), and speech intelligibility (p=0.004) in the palatoplasty plus pharyngoplasty group was better than that in the palatoplasty alone group. It has been suggested that the surgical approach with the palatoplasty together with the sphincter pharyngoplasty has a higher rate of success in surgical repair of older patients with cleft palate.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) on fistula formation after primary palatoplasty using intravelar veloplasty for levator veli palatini muscle repair.This single-center retrospective study included patients who underwent primary palatoplasty with intravelar veloplasty for reorientation of the levator veli palatini muscles between April 2014 and March 2018. In the control group (group A) conventional intravelar veloplasty was performed, while in the ADM group (group B) intravelar veloplasty using ADM was performed. The study sample was composed of 162 patients, 81 in each of the 2 groups (A and B). In group B, securely dissected muscles were overlapped, and a pentagon-shaped ADM (AlloDerm, LifeCell Corp., Branchburg, NJ) of 1.6 mm mean thickness, 11.3 mm mean width, and 14.4 mm mean length was designed, and placed under the repaired levator muscle sling. The outcome variable was the occurrence of oronasal fistula within the first 6 months after surgery.Postoperative fistula formation was reported in 6 patients in group A (7.4%) and in 5 patients in group B (6.2%). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.755). There were 7 cases of ADM exposure and 2 cases of wound dehiscence in group B.The results of this study demonstrated that ADM use did not have any disadvantage with respect to oronasal fistula complications after intravelar veloplasty for levator veli palatini muscle repair.

We developed custom-made cleft palate (CP) models to teach V-Y pushback palatoplasty, with a focus on design and mucoperiosteal elevation.A model (23 cm wide, 30 cm long, and 13 cm high) was made using silicone (model 1; M1). On the palate of a skull model, 2 layers of colored rubber clay were applied to represent the superficial oral mucoperiosteum and deep nasal mucosa (model 2; M2). From the greater palatine foramen, threads of dental floss were inserted inside the clay, representing the greater palatine artery. In a workshop, a mouth gag was applied on M1, and participants designed 2-flap palatoplasty and 4-flap palatoplasty. On the palate of M2, incisions were made with a #15 blade. On M2, a mucoperiosteal flap (rubber clay over the hard palate) was elevated using a periosteal elevator, avoiding injury to the dental floss mimicking the greater palatine artery. Six participants were recruited for the workshop and were asked to rate their satisfaction with the outcome on a Likert scale.For CP design, participants answered that they had learned useful knowledge from this workshop, reflecting a significant improvement (4.0 ± 1.1 for incomplete CP, 4.2 ± 1.2 for complete CP). They became confident in this skill after the workshop (4.2 ± 0.8 for incomplete CP, 3.8 ± 0.8 for complete CP). For cleft mucoperiosteal flap elevation, they likewise learned useful knowledge (4.7 ± 0.5 for incomplete CP, 4.5 ± 0.5 for complete CP) and became confident in this skill (3.8 ± 0.8 for incomplete CP, 4.0 ± 0.6 for complete CP.)These models can be useful for V-Y pushback palatoplasty training for medical personnel.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether revision palatoplasty was associated with increased rates of inpatient complication and wound dehiscence compared to primary palatal repair. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients with isolated cleft palate treated with primary palatoplasty or revision surgery for fistula repair. The records were obtained from the Kids’ Inpatient Database between 2000 and 2014. The primary predictor was the type of surgery, classified as either primary or revision palatoplasty. Secondary predictors included demographics and comorbidities. Primary study outcomes were the postoperative complication and dehiscence rates as noted during the hospitalization course. The secondary outcomes related to health care utilization as measured through length of stay (LOS) and hospital charges. Results: A total of 5357 total admissions (95.5% primary, 4.5% revision) were included in the final sample. Fistula repairs (odds ratio = 14.37, P < .01) had significantly greater odds of wound dehiscence. The rates of inpatient complication ranged from 3.5% to 3.7%, and there were no significant differences between primary and revision surgery ( P = .82). Complications were independently associated with insurance status and congenital anomalies. Complications and wound dehiscence both significantly increased the LOS and the hospital charges. Fistula repairs had a shorter mean LOS ( P = .02), however this did not translate into cost savings ( P = .60). Conclusions: Although the rates of inpatient complications were not significantly different, revision palatoplasty was associated with a greater odds of wound dehiscence. Failure of a primary repair may portend an increased risk of wound failure with subsequent surgeries.

Infantile hemangioma (IH) with concurrent cleft lip and palate is a rare case. Surgical management is often considered as the best management for infantile hemangioma with concurrent cleft lip and palate. However, considering the functionality aspect and aesthetic appearance, a plastic surgeon can also consider non-surgical management without interrupting the surgical timeline for the cleft lip and palate. This case report aimed to describe the role of oral propranolol and oral methylprednisolone for infantile hemangioma with concurrent cleft lip and palate alongside the surgical management for cleft lip and palate. A 2-month-old presented with complaints of swelling in her right upper nose and cheek along with cleft lip and palate. She was treated with oral propranolol and oral methylprednisolone. Labioplasty was performed when she was three months old. Palatoplasty and nasorraphy were done when she was one year old. A significant reduction of the hemangioma was seen and the corrective procedures showed a good result. The use of propranolol and methylprednisolone for infantile hemangioma in our patient shows a good result even when combined with labioplasty, palatoplasty, and nasorraphy for cleft lip and palate. The management of infantile hemangioma with concurrent cleft lip and palate using oral propranolol and oral methylprednisolone shows a good result with no side effects and can be elaborated with labioplasty, palatoplasty, and nasorraphy, and will not interrupt the cleft lip and palate surgical timeline., Highlights • Propranolol and methylprednisolone orally provide an effective and safe modality of treatment. • Can be elaborated with surgery for cleft lip and palate, thus shows a good result without interrupting the surgical timeline. • Satisfying result was observed.

In this study, we investigated brain morphological changes in adults with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) after articulation rehabilitation (AR). High-resolution T1 weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging data were analyzed from 45 adults with NSCLP after palatoplasty: 24 subjects were assessed before AR (bNSCLP) and 21 subjects were assessed after AR (aNSCLP). In addition, there were 24 age and sex matched controls. Intergroup differences of grey matter volume were evaluated as a comprehensive measure of the cortex; cortical thickness and cortical complexity (gyrification and fractal dimensions) were also analyzed. As compared to controls, the bNSCLP subjects exhibited altered indexes in frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes; these morphological changes are characteristic for adults with NSCLP. Importantly, as compared to the bNSCLP and control subjects, the aNSCLP subjects exhibited cortical plasticity in the regions involved in language, auditory, pronunciation planning, and execution functions. The AR-mediated cortical plasticity in aNSCLP subjects may be caused by AR-induced cortical neurogenesis, which might reflect the underlying neural mechanism during AR.

Purpose: to compare and assess the results obtained by using 2 different surgical techniques that utilize two stage palatoplasty to repair the palate, Furlow’s technique and intravelar veloplasty. Material and Methods: This study was performed on 14 patients suffering from cleft palate, patients were divided into 2 groups, in group I Furlow’s technique was used in palatal repair, in group II IVVP technique was used in palatal repair. All cases were selected from the Outpatient Clinic of the Faculty of Dental Medicine, Al-Azhar University for Girls. Results: Postoperative results of the MRI showed that the velum and the length of the muscle has become longer in each group, even though, there was no significant change between both techniques. The postoperative results of the nasopharyngeal endoscope proved that the increase in the levator muscle length increased the movement of the velum, in each group, however, between both group there was no significant difference. Conclusions: Both Furlow palatoplasty and intravelar veloplasty are efficient techniques that can be used in the repair of cleft soft palate. Both techniques can lengthen the soft palate together with palatal muscle reorientation; without the need to raise large mucoperiosteal flaps from the hard palate. Both techniques, with their modifications had shown success in the primary closure of different varieties and sizes of cleft gaps. The two stage palatoplasty can eliminate the need to raise large mucoperiosteal flaps from the hard palate.