130 Surgical Repair of Cleft Lip: Comparison of Neonatal and Standard Time Repair

Abstract

Abstract Aim Cleft lip and palate (CLP) abnormalities are the most common congenital orofacial anomalies, affecting 1 in 700 live births per year in the United Kingdom. Cleft lip is present in approximately 55% of all CLP deformities. The aim of this study is to compare standard and neonatal cleft lip repair. Method Advanced literature searches were carried out using Medline ALL (1946 to date) and Embase (1974 to date), 11 articles were deemed relevant and included in this study. Results Aesthetic results showed excellent outcomes with neonatal repair with regards to the appearance of the scar, facial (lip and nasal) symmetry but those aesthetic results are no better than those achieved at standard time. Conclusions Early intervention can be beneficial as early repair takes place when the cleft is less severe and when the tissues are more malleable, making the surgery less challenging and when some aspects of foetal scar healing remain. Early repair has a positive impact on the development of the alveolar projections and can assist in reducing an alveolar cleft if present, improving the aesthetic outcome. Neonatal surgery carries with it no greater risk than surgery carried out at 6 months and will allow feeding to begin at an early stage promoting recovery. Early repair also brings with it a positive psychosocial impact where infants and mothers can build a normal relationship from an early stage. Later in life, children and adults will be less self-conscious following good aesthetic repair. In conclusion, neonatal repair may be recommended over standard time repair.