Cleft Lip (Labial Cleft)

There are a number of congenital deformities, one of the most common being cleft lip, with or without cleft palate (CLP) or with isolated cleft (CP).

CLP is recognized as the second most common birth defect in the United States, second only to Down syndrome. In addition to the physical impact, cleft lip also has significant psychological and socioeconomic consequences for both the individual and the family, including impaired psychosocial functioning and reduced quality of life. This is due to an increased mortality from various causes, including suicide, as well as significant health care costs.

Clefts can be unilateral or bilateral, and may include the alveolar process of the maxilla and the palate. Patients may have other congenital abnormalities and cleft lip may be part of a genetic syndrome.

Efforts are currently underway to identify the epidemiology and etiology of this disease. The WHO-supported international collaborative research project on craniofacial abnormalities is creating a global network to compile a comprehensive database and coordinate research strategies.

Optimal treatment of a child requires organized interdisciplinary efforts, including the fields of otolaryngology, plastic surgery, maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, speech therapy, pediatrics, nursing, genetics, audiology, psychology, and social work.

The goals are to optimize feeding, facial growth, and speech and language development. Surgical intervention is necessary to restore normal nutrition, speech and appearance of the patient.