These patients require a multidisciplinary approach with a pediatrician to maintain their overall health, an otolaryngologist in conjunction with reconstructive or maxillofacial surgeons, and an anesthesiologist. Patients should be carefully monitored for early respiratory failure and intervention, potentially with a surgical airway or tracheostomy. Plans for a possible difficult airway are crucial.

A speech therapist can work closely with an occupational therapist to prevent or overcome speech and feeding deficiencies, and an orthodontist can help develop and maintain relatively normal bite and dentition. A comprehensive care team also includes a geneticist, pediatric dentist, prosthodontist, psychologist, medical social worker, and a public health nurse.

References

• Rozzelle A & Arneja. Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate. In: Adam HM, Campbell DE, DeWitt TG, Foy JM & McInerny TK, ed. American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care. 2nd ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2016: 1849 - 1852.