Submucous Cleft Palate (SMCP): Indications and Outcomes of Radical Muscle Dissection Palatoplasty in Children Under 4 Years of Age

Abstract

To delineate the indications, referral sources and outcomes of radical muscle dissection palate repair in the first 4 years of life for patients with submucous cleft palate (SMCP). This study presents a retrospective analysis of a single surgeon's management. All children were treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital, United Kingdom. Twenty-three children with nonsyndromic SMCP were included in this study. All participants underwent radical muscle dissection repair before their fourth birthday. Parameters analyzed included: referral sources, indications for referral, extent of anatomical abnormality, and postoperative outcomes. Paediatricians provided the largest proportion of referrals to the cleft lip and palate clinic (39%) due to the presence of cleft lip/palate on prenatal scans or during neonatal examination. Over half (n = 12, 52%) of patients had severe anatomical anomalies being in grade IV (score 8-9), with the classical triad present to some extent in all but 2 of the patients. The main indication for surgery was nasal regurgitation of food and liquid (n = 9, 35%) followed by hypernasality (n = 6, 21%), difficulty feeding (n = 3, 8%), and severe anatomical defect (n = 2; 4%). Postoperatively, the presenting complaint improved in the majority of cases. Nonsyndromic SMCP is often missed, though may present with nasal regurgitation, feeding problems, and/or hypernasality, though may be missed in nonsyndromic children. Early radical muscle dissection repair in the first 4 years of life is safe and effective, facilitating normal speech development.