Impact of breastfeeding or bottle-feeding on surgical wound dehiscence after cleft lip repair in infants: a systematic review protocol.

Abstract

REVIEW QUESTION / OBJECTIVE The objective of this systematic review is to examine the impact of breastfeeding or bottle-feeding on surgical wound dehiscence after cleft lip repair in infants. INCLUSION CRITERIA Types of participants This review will consider studies that include infants who have undergone cleft lip repair. The review will exclude studies that include patients who have undergone cleft lip or palate repair over the age of one year. Types of intervention(s) This review will consider studies that evaluate the impact of breastfeeding or bottle-feeding on surgical wound dehiscence after cleft lip repair in infants. Particular focus will be given to studies in which the same feeding method (breastfeeding or bottle-feeding) as that used preoperatively is compared with alternative feeding methods (spoon-, cup-, or syringe-feeding). Types of outcomes This review will consider studies that include the following outcome measure: incidence of surgical wound dehiscence as ascertained by health professionals. Secondary outcomes include weight gain, length of postoperative stay and hospital discharge, if enough data is available.