Cleft Lip Surgery in Sudan: Clinical Presentations, Early Outcomes, and Patient and professional satisfaction—A sub-Saharan African experience

Abstract

BackgroundCleft lip and palate are the most common congenital craniofacial anomalies. They account for approximately 13% of all congenital anomalies. ObjectivesTo study the presentations of cleft lip and the early results of surgical repair among patients who presented to our centers. MethodsThis was a hospital-based prospective cohort study of 72 patients who underwent cleft lip repair in Sudan. Results: The commonest age group was between 10-18 months. The male-to-female ratio was 2:1, and a family history of cleft lip was found in 2.8% of the patients. The cleft lip was complete in 81.9%, incomplete in 12.5%, and hybrid in 5.6% of the patients. Associated cleft palate was observed in 54 patients. Associated syndromes were found in 10 patients. The surgery was carried out in most patients at 9 months or less; in 4 patients, it was more than 18 months. Achievement of reasonable lip repair was moderate (50% collectively). High achievement was observed for criteria, such as accurate union (90.3%), and sub-moderate achievement in even vermillion border and cupid's bow (44%), low nose symmetry (30.6%), and quality of scar (18.1%). Early complications were reported at the rate of 13.9%. Patient satisfaction was 59.7%; however, the professionals showed higher satisfaction levels (66.7%). The anthropometric measurements of normal infants were moderately similar to those of the infants who underwent surgery. ConclusionThe patients with cleft lip showed early presentation, with a predominance of the male gender and left side pattern. The preliminary outcome of cleft lip repair was moderate, with variations in the different criteria. Patient and professional satisfaction were above average.