Decision Considerations and Strategies for Lip Surgery in Patients with Cleft lip/Palate: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo qualitatively assess surgeons decision making for lip surgery in patients with cleft lip/palate (CL/P).DesignProspective, non-randomized, clinical trial.SettingClinical data institutional laboratory setting.Patients, ParticipantsThe study included both patient and surgeon participants recruited from four craniofacial centers. The patient participants were babies with a CL/P requiring primary lip repair surgery (n=16) and adolescents with repaired CL/P who may require secondary lip revision surgery (n=32). The surgeon participants (n=8) were experienced in cleft care. Facial imaging data that included 2D images, 3D images, videos, and objective 3D visual modelling of facial movements were collected from each patient, and compiled as a collage termed the Standardized Assessment for Facial Surgery (SAFS) for systematic viewing by the surgeons.InterventionsThe SAFS served as the intervention. Each surgeon viewed the SAFS for six distinct patients (two babies and four adolescents) and provided a list of surgical problems and goals. Then an in-depth-interview (IDI) was conducted with each surgeon to explore their decision-making processes. IDIs were conducted either in person or virtually, recorded, and then transcribed for qualitative statistical analyses using the Grounded Theory Method.ResultsRich narratives/themes emerged that included timing of the surgery; risks/limitations and benefits of surgery; patient/family goals; planning for muscle repair and scarring; multiplicity of surgeries and their impact; and availability of resources. For diagnoses/treatments, surgeons agreed, and level of surgical experience was not a factor.ConclusionsThe themes provided important information to populate a checklist of considerations to serve as a guide for clinicians.