Annals and Essences of Dentistry
Open Access

Abstract

WIDE PALATAL CLEFT – SINGLE STAGE OR TWO STAGE CLOSURE??

Visalakshi D, Suresh Kumar M, Giri K Y, Sreelakshmi N

Clefts of lip and palate presents a distressing blow to the family o f the patient and their surgical correction a challenging task for the reconstructive surgeon. The patients affected with this deformity are handicapped by the psychological feeling of separation from the society in addition to the horror of a chain of su rgeries and visits to the dental office. In addition to these single procedures requiring two stage approach add to the existing sequence further hampering the psychological well being of the patient. Closure of a wide palatal cleft often entails a two sta ge closure to ensure proper speech and functional outcomes to prevent future dehiscence of wounds leading to fistulae formation. This paper discusses the report of a patient reporting with wide palatal cleft of hard and soft palate treated by a single sta ge closure in an attempt to reduce the number of surgical procedures for the patient, resulting in a satisfactory treatment outcome considering the width of the cleft and age of the patient at the time of presentation.

Published Date: 2012-06-30;