[Simultaneous surgery of total cleft palate in early stage]

On the basis of the literature data and authors' own experience, the methods and optimum time for simultaneous surgery on penetrating unilateral clefts of the upper lip, nose, alveolar process, and hard and soft palates are discussed. The advantages of simultaneous surgery are presented: such operations were performed on 109 of 191 patients with total cleft palate. The main advantages are considered to be as follows: the children's face harmonically develops, their speech improves, the facial appearance becomes more favorable, accompanying diseases associated with a cleft palate disappear, and the duration of the medical and social rehabilitation shortens.