A Closer Look at Delayed Primary Cleft Surgery and Unrepaired Cleft Lip and/or Palate in 5 UK Cleft Centers.
Sophie ButterworthClare RiversMarnie FullartonColm MurphyVictoria BealeJason Neil-DwyerSimon Van EedenStephanie Van EedenPeter D HodgkinsonAlistair SmythDavid C SainsburyPublished in: The Cleft palate-craniofacial journal : official publication of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (2021)
This large retrospective review highlights variations between centers regarding the timing of lip and palate surgery and details the reasons stated for delayed primary surgery. A small number of patients with an unrepaired cleft palate were identified. All had complex medical problems or comorbidities listed as a reason for the decision not to operate and 50% had a syndromic diagnosis. The number of patients receiving delayed surgery due to comorbidities, being underweight or prematurity, highlights the importance of the cleft specialist nurse and pediatrician within the cleft multidisciplinary team.