Primary Cleft Palate Repair

Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2024 Feb;32(1):55-62. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2023.07.001. Epub 2023 Aug 12.

Abstract

There are several factors to consider when planning cleft palate repair. It is important to review the patient's associated comorbidities, as they impact decisions on perioperative management and family counseling. Many comorbidities change the risk of postoperative airway obstruction, velopharyngeal insufficiency, or fistula formation. It is also critical to determine the type of cleft palate to be addressed, as this influences the decision on which technique is most appropriate for optimal patient outcome. Common surgical techniques for palatoplasty are reviewed in detail and outcomes are discussed as it relates to various techniques. Intraoperative photographs are included to detail the procedures.

Keywords: Cleft; Cleft palate; Palatoplasty; Surgical technique.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cleft Palate* / surgery
  • Fistula*
  • Humans
  • Palate, Soft / surgery
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Velopharyngeal Insufficiency* / etiology
  • Velopharyngeal Insufficiency* / surgery