Cleft Palate Treatment in Developing Countries of Africa

The Current State of Cleft Care in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative Review

“…The typical timing for cleft lip repairs is 3 to 6 months of age (Oginni and Adeyemo, 2013). However, it is not uncommon for procedures to be done at 9 months or later as demonstrated by a survey sent to 69 cleft surgeons in Nigeria (Akinmoladun et al, 2017).…”

“…Despite clinical results showing no significant differences, it was noted that the social outcomes of early repairs were advantageous because early intervention averted familial rejection of the newborn. In a survey sent to 24 surgical centers throughout 6 countries in SSA, it was reported that most cleft lip repairs are 2-stage procedures permitting available resources given that 2-stage repairs are thought to have better esthetic outcomes than 1-stage repairs (Oginni and Adeyemo, 2013; Madaree, 2020). According to a chart review of South African patients, the age at the first stage ranged from 3 to 9 months while the second stage was completed a minimum of 6 weeks later (Madaree, 2020).…”

“…According to a chart review of South African patients, the age at the first stage ranged from 3 to 9 months while the second stage was completed a minimum of 6 weeks later (Madaree, 2020). Cleft palate repairs, based on the survey sent to 6 SSA countries by Oginni and Adeyemo (2013) were completed between 3 and 18 months, with a mean of 12.8 months.…”

“…Standard practice suggests that cleft lip repairs should take place at 3 to 6 months of age and cleft palate repairs between 9 and 12 months (Adebola et al, 2014). However, there is significant variation among different parts of the world when it comes to rates of repairs and the time in which those repairs occur (Oginni and Adeyemo 2013; Carlson et al, 2016).…”