What are the complications of cleft palate?

Complications

• Difficulty feeding. One of the most immediate concerns after birth is feeding.
• Ear infections and hearing loss. Babies with cleft palate are especially at risk of developing middle ear fluid and hearing loss.
• Dental problems.
• Speech difficulties.
• Challenges of coping with a medical condition.

What is Furlow Palatoplasty?

Furlow Palatoplasty (Double-Reversing Z-Plasty) This procedure involves a plastic surgical technique, which was traditional used for cleft palates, to lengthen and thicken the soft palate and realign abnormal placement of the palatal muscles in order to allow the palate touch the back of throat naturally.

How do you test for Van der Woude syndrome?

A diagnosis of Van der Woude syndrome is made by clinical evaluation, usually with the presence of a cleft lip and / or cleft palate with lower lip pits. The diagnosis may be confirmed by testing DNA which is present in all of our cells. A saliva or blood sample is often used to collect DNA.

Can ultrasound show cleft palate?

Most cases of cleft lip and cleft palate are noticed right away at birth and don’t require special tests for diagnosis. Increasingly, cleft lip and cleft palate are seen on ultrasound before the baby is born.

How does a Palatoplasty work?

The repair of a cleft palate requires careful repositioning of tissue and muscles to close the cleft and rebuild the roof of the mouth. Incisions are made on either side of the cleft and specialized flap techniques are used to reposition the tissues of the hard and soft palate.

Is a cleft palate a disability?

FACT: A cleft is not a ‘disability’. It may affect a child in ways that mean they need extra help, but most children with a cleft are not affected by any other condition and are capable of doing just as well at school as any other child.

Can you see a cleft lip on ultrasound?

Cleft lip may be detected with ultrasound beginning around the 13th week of pregnancy. As the fetus continues developing, it may be easier to accurately diagnose a cleft lip. Cleft palate that occurs alone is more difficult to see using ultrasound.