From birth to maturity: a group of patients who have completed their protocol management. Part III. Bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate.

Abstract

The optimal management of cleft lip-cleft palate patients presents a formidable challenge to the cleft surgeon. This is especially so in the case of bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate, and the long-term management in a multidisciplinary setting is essential. This study presents the results of the specific management protocol at the Australian Craniofacial Unit for patients with bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate who have completed their protocol treatment under the care of a single surgeon (D.J.D.) during the period 1974 to 2006. A retrospective study of the outcomes in relation to facial growth, speech, hearing, and occlusion is presented of patients with bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate. Nineteen cases were identified from the departmental database, 12 male patients and seven female patients. Six patients with severe craniofacial deformities who had bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate were excluded. Cephalometric analysis at skeletal maturity identified that a majority of cases had midface hypoplasia requiring midface advancement in 14 cases. Speech and hearing outcomes were worse when compared with other clefting types. Overall, these results demonstrate that facial growth is more affected in bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate patients than in either unilateral cleft lip-cleft palate or isolated cleft palate patients. Therapeutic, IV.