International trends in the treatment of cleft lip and palate

This article presents a contemporary (2004) survey of the methods and timing used in the care of cleft patients. The results are compared, when possible, with those of a similar study published by the lead author in 1998 and with those of the Eurocleft Project that took place from 1996 to 2000. Although very little uniformity is seen in the care of cleft patients, this comparison demonstrates a significant degree of agreement on many aspects of cleft care and a continuing process of adaptation and evolution in the field of cleft lip and palate surgery.