Management of cleft lip and palate in Brazil

We aimed to evaluate the treatment protocols for cleft lip and palate that are used in Brazil, to compare them with the ones proposed from elsewhere, and to discuss the official data about admission for treatment of cleft lip or palate, or both, in Brazil. We also assessed the importance of integrated action of different specialities to treat this condition. A questionnaire related to attendance protocols was developed and sent out to all Brazilian Plastic Surgery Services connected to the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery, and to other units involved in such treatment. We also studied the data produced by the Brazilian Department of Health about the operations done during the past five years. Many protocols were identified, but despite much controversy in many areas, a consensus was reached about the surgical techniques, the age group most suitable to be operated on, and there was total agreement about the need for multidisciplinary management. According to the State Department of Health, the number of operations done in 1995 was 9696, and this had increased to 21 022 in 1999. The state of São Paulo had done 17636 (84%) of all procedures in 1999.