Cleft lip and palate

Key Points: Cleft lip and palate is a common birth defect, and is the most common congenital defect of the head and neck. More than 300 syndromes are known to be associated with orofacial clefting but cleft palate is more likely to be syndromic than cleft lip ± palate. There are many issues that result from a cleft lip and palate. These include feeding problems, speech difficulties, otologic issues, midface growth impairment, cleft lip nasal deformities, and dental problems. A multidisciplinary team approach is mandatory. Often patients with a cleft palate have velopharyngeal insufficiency, requiring either a pharyngeal flap or a sphincter pharyngoplasty. Many of the unilateral and bilateral cleft lip patients will also require at least one revision surgery to deal with the commonly associated cleft lip nasal deformities.