Age at Initial Cleft Lip Repair Among Children in Al Madinah Region

Cleft lip and palate consists of a wide spectrum of anomalies affecting the oral cavity and lips and can have enduring adverse effects on health. The age at which surgical interventions are done is crucial as it can influence the outcomes. This study aimed to determine the age at which initial cleft lip repairs were performed and the proportion of individuals who underwent additional surgeries to address post-repair complications.

A cross-sectional study involving 120 participants was conducted. Data was collected by distributing an online questionnaire to parents of children who had undergone initial cleft lip repair in the Al Madinah region.

The study found that the average age for the initial cleft lip repair in Medina is 0.46 ± 0.27 years. Post-repair complications were observed, including hearing loss in 10.9% of children, heavy breathing issues in 32.8%, an imbalance in facial expression in 47.9%, and swallowing problems in 3.4% of children even after surgery. Approximately 40% of parents sought further procedures to mitigate complications.

The study indicated that the first cleft lip repair in Medina typically occurs during the first year of life. However, more extensive research is needed to assess the efficacy of procedures within the city. Further studies should be conducted to provide a more comprehensive understanding of these conditions and the outcomes of their treatments.