Cleft lip and palate surgery in Hyderabad

Cleft lip and palate surgery in Hyderabad is a congenital condition that occurs when the tissues in the lip and roof of the mouth (palate) do not fuse properly during fetal development.

This can cause a visible gap or split in the upper lip, and in more severe cases, a gap in the roof of the mouth that can affect speech, feeding, and dental development. Cleft lip and palate surgery is a procedure that can help repair these gaps and improve the appearance and function of the affected areas.

Cleft lip surgery is usually performed when the baby is around three months old, while the surgeons do cleft palate surgery when the baby is around nine to twelve months old. The cleft lip and palate surgery is performed by providing general anesthesia and require a hospital stay of a few days.

Procedure involved in cleft lip surgery – How it is done

Cleft lip surgery involves making incisions on both sides of the cleft to create flaps of tissue that can be pulled together and stitched into place. The goal is to create a complete, symmetrical upper lip and nostril. After surgery, the baby may need to wear a special device called a NAM (nasal alveolar molding) appliance to help shape the upper lip and nostril as they continue to grow.

Cleft palate surgery in Hyderabad involves making incisions in the roof of the mouth to release the muscles and tissues that are preventing proper closure. The edges of the cleft are then pulled together and stitched, which helps create a complete palate and reduce the risk of fluid entering the nasal cavity. In some cases, a second surgery may be needed to improve the function and appearance of the palate.

A team of specialists, including a plastic surgeon, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, a speech therapist, and a dentist, typically performs both cleft lip and palate surgeries. The team works together to assess the baby’s specific needs and create a treatment plan that addresses any potential complications.

After surgery, the baby will need to be closely monitored for any signs of infection or complications. The parents or caregivers will need to follow specific instructions for feeding, cleaning the surgical site, and monitoring the baby’s healing progress. The baby may also need to receive speech therapy and dental care, as they grow older to address any issues related to their cleft.

Historical perspective of cleft lip and palate treatment – Its origins

Cleft lip and palate surgery has a long and fascinating history, spanning thousands of years. In ancient times, people believed that supernatural forces or curses caused clefts, and many babies born with clefts were abandoned or even killed.

It was not until the 16th century that European surgeons began attempting to repair clefts using surgical techniques. The first recorded cleft lip repair was performed by a surgeon named Gasparo Tagliacozzi in Italy in 1597. Tagliacozzi used a technique called the “Italian method,” which involved creating flaps of tissue from the cheeks and stitching them together to close the cleft.

In the centuries that followed, cleft surgery continued to evolve. In the 19th century, French surgeon Joseph Carpue introduced a new technique called the “triangular flap” method, which involved creating a triangular flap of skin from the upper lip and stretching it to cover the cleft. This method was widely used for several decades, although it often left noticeable scars.

In the early 20th century, American surgeon Blair Fairbanks developed a new technique called the “straight-line closure” method, which involved making a straight incision along the edge of the cleft and pulling the two sides together. This method produced less scarring and became the standard technique for cleft lip repair.

Cleft palate surgery proved to be more challenging, as the complex anatomy of the palate made it difficult to achieve a complete closure. In the 1930s, American surgeon Samuel Noordhoff introduced a technique called the “pushback procedure,” which involved making incisions in the tissues around the cleft and pulling them together to close the gap. This method was an improvement over previous techniques but still had limitations.

In the 1950s and 60s, a new technique called the “von Langenbeck procedure” was developed, which involved making incisions in the tissues on either side of the cleft and sliding them together to create a complete palate. The technique revolutionized cleft palate surgery and still widely used today.

Advances in technology and anesthesia have also contributed to the evolution of cleft surgery. In the 1980s, the use of lasers for cleft surgery became more widespread, allowing for incisions that are more precise and results in low bleeding. More recently, the use of 3D printing technology has allowed surgeons to create customized surgical guides and implants for cleft surgery, improving the accuracy and safety of the procedure.

Today, a team of specialists, including plastic surgeons, ENT doctors, speech therapists, and dentists, typically performs cleft surgery. The goal is not just to repair the cleft but also to address any related complications, such as speech difficulties or dental problems. With modern surgical techniques and a multidisciplinary approach, the outlook for children born with cleft lip and palate has never been better.

Cleft lip and palate treatment in Hyderabad

Medical technology used in cleft lip and palate treatment in Hyderabad

• 3D Imaging

Three-dimensional imaging technology allows surgeons to create a virtual model of the patient’s face and plan the surgery. This technology provides a more accurate picture of the patient’s anatomy and can help the surgical team plan a more precise and effective surgery.

• Nasal Alveolar Molding (NAM) Appliances

NAM appliances are removable devices that are placed in the baby’s mouth soon after birth to help mold the upper lip and nostrils into the correct shape before cleft lip surgery. The NAM appliance helps minimize the severity of the cleft and reduce the number of surgeries required later on.

• Soft Tissue Lasers

Soft tissue lasers are used during cleft lip and palate surgery to make precise incisions and minimize bleeding. Laser technology also reduces the risk of complications, such as infection or tissue damage.

• Tissue Engineering

Tissue engineering is a rapidly developing field that involves creating new tissues and organs from a patient’s own cells. In cleft lip and palate surgery, tissue-engineering techniques are used to create bone grafts or to repair damaged tissues in the palate or lip.

• 3D Printing

3D printing technology is used to create customized surgical guides and implants for cleft lip and palate surgery. These guides and implants are designed using the patient’s CT or MRI scans and can help the surgeon achieve more accurate and precise results.

• Speech Therapy Apps

Children born with cleft lip and palate may experience speech difficulties due to the abnormal anatomy of the mouth and throat. Speech therapy apps, such as Articulation Station, are now available to help children improve their speech and pronunciation from the comfort of their own homes.

• Orthodontic Braces

Orthodontic braces are often used after cleft lip and palate surgery to help align the teeth and jaw. Braces can also help address any issues with bite and speech caused by the cleft.

Overall, cleft lip and palate treatment in Hyderabad involves a combination of surgical techniques and medical technologies to achieve the best possible outcome.

 

Benefits of cleft lift and palate treatment in Hyderabad at Akruti  Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery are-

The benefits of cleft lip and palate treatment in Hyderabad at Akruti  Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery are numerous and can have a significant impact on a child’s quality of life. Here are some of the key benefits:

 

• Improved Appearance

Cleft lip and palate surgery can greatly improve a child’s facial appearance and self-esteem. By repairing the cleft and restoring a more normal appearance to the face, children are better able to interact with others and feel more confident in social situations.

• Better Speech

Cleft lip and palate can cause speech difficulties due to the abnormal anatomy of the mouth and throat. By repairing the cleft and addressing any related speech issues, children can improve their ability to communicate and participate in social activities.

• Improved Nutrition

Children with cleft lip and palate may have difficulty feeding and gaining weight due to the structural abnormalities in their mouth and throat. Cleft lip and palate surgery can help improve the child’s ability to eat and drink, leading to better overall nutrition and growth.

• Reduced Risk of Ear Infections

Children with cleft palate are at an increased risk of developing ear infections due to the abnormal structure of their ear canals. By repairing the cleft palate, the risk of ear infections can be greatly reduced.

• Improved Dental Health

Children with cleft lip and palate may have dental issues, such as missing or misaligned teeth. Cleft lip and palate treatment can help address these issues, improving the child’s overall dental health.

Finally, cleft lip and palate treatment can have a significant impact on a child’s physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. By repairing the cleft and addressing any related issues, children can live fuller, more confident lives and have greater opportunities to reach their full potential.