Cleft lip is a congenital abnormality which is characterized by the presence of a gap or split in the upper lip of a new born baby. This can be mild where it will present as a small notch on the lip to severe where the lip is notched all the way to the nose. Cleft lip surgery is done to correct this abnormality, to improve the function of the lip and to improve the appearance. Here, we give a general idea of the surgery, the steps leading up to it, the actual process of surgery, and after surgery.
Understanding Cleft Lip
Cleft lip happens when the tissues that make up the lip fail to meet in the middle during development of the fetus. It may affect one or both lips and may be combined with cleft palate, the case where the roof of the mouth is also affected. The degree of a cleft lip may be quite mild with only a small opening or it may be more extensive with the gap going right up to the nostril.
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Consultation and Assessment: The cleft lip repair is done by a Best General Surgeon in Karachi who will assess the child before the surgery is done. This includes the assessment of the cleft severity, the child’s health status and whether there are other complications such as cleft palate.
Preoperative Instructions: The parents shall be given detailed information on how they should feed the child, the medication to be administered to the child and any other arrangements that are to be made prior to the surgery. To get the best results it is important to adhere to the following guidelines.
Anesthesia: The cleft lip surgery is done with general anesthesia that means the child will be asleep and not feel any pain at the time of surgery. The anesthesiologist will explain the anesthesia plan to the parents of the child before the surgery takes place.
The Surgical Procedure
Timing: Cleft lip surgery is mostly done when the child is six to twelve months old. The best outcomes are achieved if the child is provided intervention as early as possible as well as to support the overall child development.
Surgical Technique: It involves theClosing of the gap on the lip and Reconstruction of the lip contour. The General Surgeon in Lahore will then cut the incisions that have been made around the cleft and then move the lip tissues and stitch them so as to close the cleft. Sometimes, it may be necessary to do more procedures or even the use of grafts in order to get the natural result.
Duration: The surgery usually takes 1-2 hours including the time it takes to perform the procedure and if any other procedures need to be done.
Post-Surgery Care
Recovery: The child will then be taken to the recovery room where he or she will be observed as the anesthesia wears off. The child’s recovery is fast and most of them are able to go back home a day or two after the surgery, but if there are some complications then the child may have to stay in the hospital for a longer time.
Wound Care: The sanitary side of the house will also be of concern. The parents should ensure that they follow the surgeon’s advice on how to clean the area, use ointments and how to take care of any dressings or suture stitches. To ensure that the lip does not get irritated it is advisable to avoid touching or rubbing it, especially by the child.
Feeding: Some special feeding methods or bottles may be advised to be used to prevent stress on the surgical area. The care givers in the child’s healthcare facility will advise the child on the right feeding practices during the recovery period.
Pain Management: Postoperative pain and discomfort are general among patients who have undergone surgery. The surgeon will either give a prescription of a pain relief drug or advise the patient to use some over the counter medication. It is crucial to give pain relief when the child is due for it so that the child may not suffer.
Follow-Up and Long-Term Care
Follow-Up Appointments: Such follow up visits are important in reviewing the progress of the healing and the outcome of the surgery. The surgeon will assess for the lip’s aesthetics and vitality and may suggest other management or interventions if necessary.
Speech and Feeding Therapy: These include speech and feeding and may be advised if the child has a big cleft or any other complications. These therapies can assist in overcoming any difficulties that one may have with speech, feeding or swallowing.
Additional Surgeries: Sometimes, the child may require more surgeries as the child grows to improve the lip aesthetics or for any other problems that may be present. These procedures will be done when the child requires the same or when the child is due for the same depending on the child’s growth and development.
Outlook
Cleft lip surgery can enhance appearance and quality of life in a child and this can be a very rewarding surgery. When they receive proper and timely treatment, the majority of children do very well and are able to live normal, healthy and happy lives. Continued encouragement from the healthcare practitioners, family, and friends as well as support groups will go a long way in improving the results.
