Complicated Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate: Our Experience with Multidisciplinary Approach

Abstract

Background: Cleft lip and palate is one of the most commonly seen congenital deformities. The aim of treatment should be providing normal speech, normal nutrition, normal appearance, and adaptation of the child in society. Thus, the importance of multidisciplinary approach in this patient group is high. In this study, we aim to present the patient results obtained from cleft lip and palate meeting records, with the attendance of plastic surgeon, ear, nose, throat surgeon, orthodontist, speech therapist, pedodontist, nutrition nurse and pediatrician, and genetics specialist when needed. Materials and Methods: Patient records of cleft lip and palate meeting held between September 1998 and September 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. The patients regarded as complex cases were examined in these meetings. Results: Seven hundred and five patients were regarded as complex cases to be examined at the cleft lip and palate meetings in this 20-year period. One hundred and five of these patients (15%) had the history of being inbred. Ninety-eight patients (14%) had additional anomaly of other systems. Thirty-six patients (5%) suffered from the cleft of lip and primary palate only. Cleft palate patient numbers for Veau Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 12 (2%), 99 (14%), 297 (42%), and 246 (35%), respectively. Conclusions: Creating multidisciplinary teams consisted of specialists from various fields is an accepted method for handling of this patient group. These multidisciplinary teams not only provide the patients to have care by professionals from different specialties at once but also have the benefits of data unification.