Cleft palate is a congenital defect in which a longitudinal fissure exists in roof of mouth, often associated with cleft lip. Cleft palate is one of most common congenital malformations. The overall incidence is 1 case in 700 live births. Presence of cleft palate has both aesthetic and functional implications for patients in their social interactions, particularly on their ability to communicate effectively and on their facial appearance. The treatment plan focuses on two areas: speech development and facial growth. Many surgical techniques and modifications have been advocated to improve functional and aesthetic outcome. The most controversial issues in the management of cleft palate are the timing of surgical intervention, speech development after various surgical procedures and effect of surgery on facial growth. The major goals of surgical intervention are normal speech, minimizing growth disturbances and establishing a competent velopharyngeal sphincter. Basically, there are three general groups of techniques for surgical correction of cleft palate. The first group is repair of hard palate, second is repair of the soft palate, and the third is based upon surgical schedule. Techniques for hard palate repair are for example; Veau-Wardill-Kilner technique (V-Y pushback palatoplasty), Von Langenbeck, Bardach technique (two flap palatoplasty), Alveolar extension palatoplasty, Vomer flap, and raw area free palatoplasty. However, the soft palate repair techniques included techniques like: Intravelar veloplasty, Furlow (double opposing Z-plasty). Techniques based upon surgical schedule are Schweckendiek’s technique and Oslo’s technique. |
