Management of cleft lip palate in Arica. 15 years experience

Abstract

Introduction: Due to the high prevalence of patients with cleft lip with or without cleft palate in the city of Arica Chile and the constant increase of new cases, in 1987 we decided to face the problem from a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary point of view, incorporating the valuable help from the parents of the affected children. Aim: To show our experience in the multidisciplinary manage of cleft lip-palate in the city of Arica during the years 1987 to 2002 Material and method: By the creation and set up of the “Cleft Lip-Palate patient attention program”, in the Juan Noé Hospital of Arica during the years 1987 to 2002, we follow 59 patients attending the program. Results: Some preliminary results are displayed, according to the experience of 59 cases of patients attending the program. Conclusion: Complete management of the clef lip patient is a long job. As important factors outstand age, growth and careful observation of evolution in every single case. Multidisciplinary team work is a must, evaluating each case together, developing a clear structured plan of action for each patient, as well as periodically evaluating partial results.