Anaesthesia for Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery

Abstract

Cleft lip and palate are the most common craniofacial abnormalities seen worldwide. If left uncorrected, cleft lip can have significant social and psychological consequences for both the child and family. A cleft palate interferes with feeding and speech as a consequence of velo-pharyngeal insufficiency. Clefts are not simply a surgical problem but individuals with clefts or other craniofacial anomalies require the coordinated care of several specialists. These include neonatologists, paediatricians, surgeons, anaesthesiologists, dentists, as well as those in speech pathology, otolaryngology, audiology, genetics, nursing, mental health, and social medicine.