Primary Palatoplasty in Pediatric Patients - A Retrospective Review of Surgical Outcomes

Children who are born with cleft palate need surgery in order to correct the problem. The surgery is needed because the defect allows food to leak into the nose. It also causes the patient to be unable to speak correctly, producing a problematic nasal sound. Sometimes the first surgery does not completely correct the problem and a second surgery is needed. Looking at the records of patients who have had corrective surgeries done in the past would allow the surgeons to improve their success rate and reduce the need for secondary surgeries. It would also create greater patient safety and reduce cost for families.