How Can Cleft Lips and Cleft Palate be Treated in Children?

In India, birth defects are found in 6%-7% of the children born each year, which adds up to about 1.7 million cases per year, according to an article on the National Health Portal. Cleft lip and cleft palate are oral malformations that occur in the first few months of pregnancy. These conditions are noticeable right at birth and do not need a separate diagnosis. Also, both conditions can be cured without any serious complications.

Symptoms of Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

Prenatal ultrasound at the best children’s hospital in Bangalore can detect a difference in the facial structures. It usually shows up in around the 13^th week of pregnancy. It becomes even easier to identify as the fetus grows. However, in case of cleft palate, there is a gap at the back of the mouth. This does not show up externally and cannot be detected initially. Difficulty in swallowing food and ear infections indicate the condition, after birth.

When ultrasound detects a cleft, the doctor might collect a sample of amniotic fluid from the mother’s uterus. After testing, it can be confirmed whether the fetus has any genetic syndromes.

Treatment of Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

The craniofacial team takes care of the newborn during the first week of birth. This is required for the professionals to confirm whether the child is feeding well and does not have any other medical issues. After this, the doctors might suggest a reconstructive surgery to improve the facial structure. A cleft palate takes up to 9 to 14 months of age to get completely repaired. A cleft lip takes about 6 months only. The treatments are carried out in the following order:

• Cleft Lip Surgery: Flaps of tissue are created by the pediatric surgeon. This is done on both sides of the cleft, with the help of small incisions. These flaps, along with the lip muscles, are then stitched together. This process helps to restore normal appearance and function of the lips.

 

• Cleft Palate Repair: The gap in the roof of the mouth is closed using various techniques, depending on the specific situation. Surgical cuts are made on both sides of the cleft, and the tissues and muscles are adjusted and stitched together.

Many children might require additional surgery to refine their appearance and hearing. The structure of the nose, lips and mouth can be normalized to a large extent with these surgeries. Many might need artificial ear tubes to keep chronic fluid buildup in the ears. This is important to prevent hearing loss.

Caring for the Child

The care team of the baby will include nurses, pediatricians, orthodontists, speech therapists, genetic counselors and oral surgeons. Additionally, there are support groups to help parents deal with the emotional distress. While welcoming a baby with facial defects, try to focus more on the positive qualities than their facial structures. Later in life, keep the children safe from teasing and bullying by their peers.

Lastly, as a responsible parent, consider certain preventive measures. The best children’s hospitals in Bangalore suggest genetic counseling and lifestyle changes. This can keep the second child from being born with similar problems.