Postoperative Physical Therapy Following Primary Cheiloplasty in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients: A Retrospective...

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) are common congenital anomalies with significant functional and aesthetic implications. In Chile, the incidence of cleft lip is 14 per 10,000 live births. Primary cheiloplasty is the initial surgical intervention, typically followed by physical therapy for scar management. Despite inclusion in national guidelines, data on postoperative physical therapy after cheiloplasty are limited.This study aims to describe postoperative physical therapy management in CLP patients following primary cheiloplasty, focusing on initiation timing and number of sessions. A retrospective analysis of records from the Gantz Foundation included 91 patients who underwent primary cheiloplasty between 2022 and 2023. Data collected encompassed age at surgery, dates of surgery and therapy initiation, number of sessions, and the interval between surgery and therapy start.Seventy-one patients (78%) began postoperative physical therapy at the Gantz Foundation. Ages at surgery ranged from 2 to 24 months (mean: 4.8 mo), with 90.1% between 3.5 and 5 months old. Physical therapy commenced 8 to 136 days postsurgery (mean: 38 d); 47.8% started within the first month, while 10% began after 2 months. The number of sessions ranged from 1 to 11 (mean: 4.67, median: 4).

Significant variability exists in the timing and frequency of postoperative physical therapy following primary cheiloplasty in CLP patients. Delays and inconsistencies may result from geographical barriers and access issues. Enhancing referral protocols, improving communication with caregivers, and exploring strategies like telerehabilitation could improve access and adherence, potentially leading to better functional and aesthetic outcomes.