Evaluation of keyhole-pattern reduction glossoplasty for macroglossia in beckwith-wiedemann syndrome: A multidimensional analysis of postoperative course and outcomes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative course and long-term functional and aesthetic outcomes in patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) following surgical reduction of macroglossia, using multiple questionnaires. Patients with BWS who underwent keyhole reduction for macroglossia were included in this study. The postoperative course for each patient was recorded, and multiple questionnaires were administered to evaluate aesthetic concerns, oral incompetence or feeding difficulties, sleep-disordered breathing symptoms, and speech. Nine patients underwent ten reduction glossoplasty surgeries. The mean age at surgery was 22 months. The postoperative course for each case was uneventful, except for one patient who had wound dehiscence. The questionnaires revealed significant improvements in tongue appearance, feeding, drooling, facial appearance, and psychosocial outcomes. There was also a significant reduction in sleep-disordered breathing symptoms after surgery. Keyhole reduction glossoplasty is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of macroglossia in BWS patients, with excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes and a low complication rate.

Pharyngeal flap outcomes for velopharyngeal insufficiency: Evaluation of speech, obstructive sleep apnea, and velopharyngeal anatomy.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the speech outcomes, reveal postoperative rates of obstructive sleep apnea, and characterize changes in the pharyngeal flap and velopharyngeal anatomy following pharyngeal flap surgery for velopharyngeal insufficiency. A retrospective chart was reviewed for patients with clefts who underwent pharyngeal flap surgery between November 2020 and November 2021. The data collected included age, gender, cleft palate type, age at pharyngeal flap surgery, postoperative complications, age and type of primary palatoplasty, preoperative and postoperative speech assessments, magnetic resonance imaging findings, and obstructive sleep apnea outcomes. The authors included 72 nonsyndromic patients who underwent pharyngeal flap surgery following cleft palate repair. The mean age at pharyngeal flap surgery was 10.6 ± 6.2 years. There was a significant improvement in the Pittsburgh Weighted Speech Score Hypernasality Component and the nasalance scores of oral syllables (p < 0.001). The obstructive sleep apnea rate after pharyngeal flap surgery was 6.9%. Compared to preoperatively, the velar angle was more acute (p < 0.001), the velar length was longer (p < 0.001), the distance of the velum tip to the posterior pharyngeal wall was shorter (p < 0.001), the size of velopharyngeal gap was narrower (p < 0.001), and the pharyngeal flap atrophied (p < 0.001) at 6 months postoperatively. The pharyngeal flap improved speech outcomes in patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency with a relatively low incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (6.9%). The velum is positioned more superiorly and posteriorly, and the size of the velopharyngeal gap is substantially reduced after pharyngeal flap surgery. In addition, the pharyngeal flap partially atrophied over time.

Effects of nasoalveolar molding on maxillary arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics in primary dentition patients with cleft lip and palate.

BACKGROUND: Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) is a presurgical orthopedic technique used in the management of cleft lip and palate deformities. Despite the widespread use of NAM therapy, there is a need for further investigation to assess its specific effects on arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics. AIM: To evaluate the effects of NAM therapy on maxillary arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP). DESIGN: Patients in primary dentition were referred to the Institutional Department of Orthodontics. The NAM group consisted of 21 patients with UCLP (mean age 4.7 ± 0.7 years) and 12 patients with BCLP (mean age 4.8 ± 0.7 years). Sixteen patients with UCLP (mean age 4.9 ± 0.9 years) and five patients with BCLP (mean age 5.4 ± 1.1 years) were included in the non-NAM group. The plaster models of all patients were digitized. Dental arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics were analyzed via digital software. One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Intercanine and intermolar widths showed statistically significant differences according to the cleft type (p < .01). There was no statistically significant effect of NAM therapy on maxillary arch parameters and malocclusion characteristics (p > .05). The prevalence of anterior crossbite was 12.1% in the NAM group and 23.8% in the non-NAM group. CONCLUSION: NAM therapy did not affect the maxillary arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics in patients with UCLP and BCLP. The cleft type was the main factor, leading to a significant difference in maxillary widths.

A Novel Surgical Method of Reconstruction for Proboscis Lateralis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Proboscis lateralis (PL) is a rare congenital craniofacial anomaly and it is represented by rudimentary, tube-like nasal structure measuring 2-3 centimetre (cm) length and generally attaches to medial canthal region. A 22-month-old male patient was referred to our clinic with a PL hanging from the right medial canthus and a coloboma on the medial third of the right lower eyelid. Physical examination revealed that the PL was 4 cm long and 1.5 cm in diameter. There was a blind cavity with dimple at its distal segment. The right side of the nose and the nasal airway was aplastic. Before surgical correction, neuroradiological evaluation should be performed to obtain the characteristics and relationship of the lesion with adjacent structures and associated anomalies Many reconstructive options have been described in the literature, however, these options are insufficient to obtain natural contour and define alar crease, especially. We described the laterally-based skin flap from the medial wall of the left heminose and adapted to the lateral edge of the de-epithelialized skin of PL for defining supra-alar crease.

Validity and reliability of the Family Empowerment Scale for parents of children with cleft lip and/or palate.

BACKGROUND: Empowerment is recognized as a crucial concept in strengthening the position of parents in healthcare services. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish Family Empowerment Scale (FES). METHODS: This methodological study was conducted between January and March 2021, with 348 family members actively caring for their children in the age group of 0-18 years with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). The English FES was translated into Turkish using back translation and modified so that it is generic and convenient for all families. The construct validity, internal validity, internal consistency, and split-half test reliability and responsiveness of the Turkish FES were examined. RESULTS: The original FES structure with three factors (family, health services provided to the child and community participation) and 34 items was verified in Turkish culture. This obtained structure can explain 66% of the variance of the relevant concept. Scores of parents ranged between 34 and 170 points. Increasing scores indicated a positive significance regarding family empowerment. The Cronbach's α reliability coefficient of the scale was calculated as 0.976. CONCLUSION: The study findings and the goodness-of-fit values indicated that the FES and its Turkish version are a valid and reliable measurement instrument to be used in Turkish culture.

Photobiomodulation combined with adipose-derived stem cells encapsulated in methacrylated gelatin hydrogels enhances in vivo bone regeneration.

Reconstruction of bone defects is still a significant challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of application of photobiomodulation (PBM) to enhance in vivo bone regeneration and osteogenic differentiation potential of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) encapsulated in methacrylated gelatin (GEL-MA) hydrogels. Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly separated into 3 experimental groups (n = 12 each). The groups were control/blank defect (I), GEL-MA hydrogel (II), and ADSC-loaded GEL-MA (GEL-MA+ADSC) hydrogel (III). Biparietal critical sized bone defects (6 mm in size) are created in each animal. Half of the animals from each group (n = 6 each) were randomly selected for PBM application using polychromatic light in the near infrared region, 600-1200 nm. PBM was administered from 10 cm distance cranially in 48 h interval. The calvaria were harvested at the 20th week, and macroscopic, microtomographic, and histologic evaluation were performed for further analysis. Microtomographic evaluation demonstrated the highest result for mineralized matrix formation (MMF) in group III. PBM receiving samples of group III showed mean MMF of 79.93±3.41%, whereas the non-PBM receiving samples revealed mean MMF of 60.62±6.34 % (p=0.002). In terms of histologic evaluation of bone defect repair, the higher scores were obtained in the groups II and III when compared to the control group (2.0 for both PBM receiving and non-receiving specimens; p<0.001). ADSC-loaded microwave-induced GEL-MA hydrogels and periodic application of photobiomodulation with polychromatic light appear to have beneficial effect on bone regeneration and can stimulate ADSCs for osteogenic differentiation.

ALX-Related Frontonasal Dysplasias: Clinical Characteristics and Surgical Management.

AIM: The term frontonasal dysplasia (FND) represents a spectrum of anomalies and its genetics have not been well defined. Recently, the critical role of the aristaless-like homeobox (ALX) gene family on the craniofacial development has been discovered. In the present study, we aimed to propose a systematic surgical treatment plan for the ALX-related FNDs according to the genotypic classification as well as demonstrating their clinical characteristics to help surgeons diagnose the underlying pathology accurately. DESIGN: Single-institution retrospective. SETTING: Tertiary health care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-nine FND cases were evaluated. Eight of them had ALX1-related FND3, 3 had ALX3-related FND1, and 2 had ALX4-related FND2. Phenotype characteristics of ALX-related FNDs were evaluated, and relevant surgical interventions were assessed. RESULTS: The ALX1-related FND3 phenotype is striking due to the involvement of the eyes in addition to the presence of hypertelorism, facial clefts, and nasal deformities. A widened philtrum and prominent philtral columns are remarkable features of the ALX3-related FND1, whereas the ALX4-related FND2 has more severe deformities: severe hypertelorism, brachycephaly, large parietal bone defects, broad nasal dorsum, and alopecia. Facial bipartition, box osteotomies, eyelid coloboma repair, cleft lip and palate repair, nasal reconstruction, and fronto-orbital advancement can be performed in ALX-related FNDs based on the characteristics of each subtype. CONCLUSIONS: This genetic classification system will help surgeon diagnose patients with FND with unique features and draw a roadmap for their treatment with a better surgical perspective.

A Challenging Period After Repair: Etiology and Follow-Up Rates of the Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate in Intensive Care Unit.

ABSTRACT: The perioperative period is quite challenging because of the featured anatomical and clinical properties of the babies with cleft lip and palate (CLP). Therefore follow-up in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a crucial parameter for managing these patients. Although various studies in cleft literature, limited studies have analyzed the ICU admission rate and its etiology in the cleft population. At this point, the present study aims to reveal the etiology and rate of ICU admission of babies with an orofacial cleft to contribute to taking preventive precautions.The rate of primary CLP patients was 69.5% (937 of 1348 patients). Intensive care unit admission rate of primary CLP patients was 6.2% (n = 58). The expected and unexpected ICU admission rate was 4.8% and 1.4%, respectively. Of the patients admitted to the ICU, 53.4% (n = 31) were boys and 46.6% (n = 27) were girls. There was no statistically significant association between gender and ICU admission (P = 0.896). However, the association between cleft type and ICU follow-up was statistically significant (P < 0.001).The findings of the present study reveal the high ICU admission rate of cleft patients within all patients admitted to ICU. Due to many unique statuses of cleft babies, attentive assessment in the preoperative period and determining the postoperative need for ICU follow-up would contribute to preventing postoperative complications.

Papillary intralymphatic angioendothelioma: An extremely rare tumor.

Papillary intralymphatic angioendothelioma (PILA), an intralymphatic lesion of vascular ducts, is an extremely rare tumor. It is generally encountered as an unexpected pathology following excision of a vascular skin lesion. Re-excision is the commonly preferred treatment option once the pathological diagnosis is established. In this article, we present a 12-year-old male patient with a PILA treated with re-excision, skin grafting, and sentinel lymph node biopsy. The patient was symptom-free at annual follow-up. A sentinel lymph node biopsy during re-excision might be a good option in the surgical management of PILA. Frequent examination of lymph nodes and skin lesion also might be beneficial during the follow-ups.

Comparison of speech outcomes using type 2b intravelar veloplasty or furlow double-opposing Z plasty for soft palate repair of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare speech outcomes, fistula rates, and rates of secondary speech surgeries after palatoplasty using Furlow palatoplasty or type 2b intravelar veloplasty for soft palate repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate who had either Furlow palatoplasty or intravelar veloplasty for soft palate repair were retrospectively evaluated for demographic and perioperative variables and speech outcomes. Fistula rate, secondary surgical intervention for improved speech results, and findings of speech assessment were further reviewed for the patients who met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients, 36 in the Furlow palatoplasty group and 40 in the intravelar veloplasty group, were included in the study. In the speech assessment, nasalance values were statistically similar between the two groups. Also, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in velopharyngeal motility (p = 0.103). The total rates of secondary surgeries and fistula were statistically similar between the groups (p = 0.347 and 0.105, respectively). CONCLUSION: The similar outcomes of speech and surgical evaluation between the two groups make the surgeon's preference determinant in the selection of the surgical technique for soft palate repair.

Does early cleft palate repair make difference? Comparative evaluation of the speech outcomes using objective parameters.

The present study aims to evaluate the effect of timing of cleft palate repair on speech results by using objective assessment tools, under standardized variables. The patients included in the study were divided into three groups according to their age of palatal repair. Velopharyngeal closure was evaluated anatomically by nasopharyngoscopy, and the nasalance values were recorded and evaluated objectively by nasometer. Also, the rate of secondary surgical intervention and fistula rate was analyzed for each group. Nasalance values and nasopharyngoscopic evaluation results were statistically similar between group 1 and group 2. However, there was a statistically significant difference between these groups compared with group 3 in the nasalance value of all speech samples and terms of the velopharyngeal complete closure (p = 0.022). The rate of fistula and secondary surgical intervention was statistically similar between the groups (p = 0.080). In secondary surgical intervention rates, the difference between group 1 and group 3 was statistically significant (p = 0.016). The present study confirms the importance of the 18th month as a cut-of time in palatal repair for improved speech results by using objective assessment tools.

The Impact of Middle Eastern Crisis on Cleft Care: Evaluation of Demographic and Perioperative Data in Syrian Refugees With Cleft Lip and Palate.

The cleft lip and palate (CL/P) define a heterogeneous group of congenital deformities, which are morphologically highly diverse, with a complex and multifactorial etiology. Affected children may experience social problems due to negative effects on speech, hearing, facial appearance, as well as negative psychological effects on the parents. In 2011, after the civil war began in Syria, a great wave of immigration began to Turkey and other neighboring countries. Refugees may not be able to receive optimal health care because of cultural differences, socioeconomic status, language problems, and psychosocial problems. To increase awareness about this issue, the authors investigated the demographic, perioperative, and post-operative data of Syrian refugee patients with CL/P who were admitted to our cleft center between January 2016 and May 2019. Sixty-eight refugees with CL/P were detected as the result of the screening. Unlike the protocol the authors follow in our center, cleft lip repair was performed at an average of 7.6 months and cleft palate repair was performed at an average of 28.7 months of age. The rate of fistula was found 26.2%.The civil war in Syria has caused the repair of the patients with cleft lip and palate at a later age, hampered the follow-up and treatment, and caused more complications. Considering the demographic, social, economic and cultural characteristics of the patients, it was demonstrated that the necessary health precautions and infrastructure should be provided on the pillar of plastic surgery.

Assessment of Nutrition and Feeding Interventions in Turkish Infants with Cleft Lip and/or Palate.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to highlight the feeding challenges of infants with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) that caregivers encounter and analyze the alternative interventions they perform based on their experiences in the preoperative period. DESIGN AND METHODS: Parents of 200 infants with CLP were asked to complete our questionnaire. The prenatal feeding preparations, preoperative processes, and feeding challenges and modifications to overcome these difficulties were evaluated. RESULTS: One-third of the caregivers stated that they had received feeding education prenatally. Sixty-five percent of the parents stated that they were not successful in breastfeeding. Infants with isolated cleft lip had minor feeding difficulties, whereas the ones with cleft palate had some major challenges such as aspiration, choking, and inadequate growth. Parents also reported that 59.5% of the infants with cleft had stayed in the intensive care units following birth. Moreover, 42% of the infants were initially fed by nasogastric or orogastric tube. Out of the 166 infants with cleft palate, 31.9% used palatal obturators. CONCLUSIONS: We have reviewed the various feeding difficulties of the infants with clefts and highlighted the results of the interventions performed to overcome these difficulties for better nutrition and growth. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: In the light of our findings, further studies should be conducted and additional educational programs should be implemented for both healthcare providers and parents to increase families' awareness regarding cleft feeding, prevent unnecessary and improper feeding interventions in infants with clefts, and alleviate the burden of feeding difficulties for both parents and infants.

Cancer associated fibroblasts sculpt tumour microenvironment by recruiting monocytes and inducing immunosuppressive PD-1+ TAMs.

Fibroblasts turn into cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumour microenvironment. CAFs have recently attracted attention for their function as a regulator of immune cell recruitment and function in addition to their tumour-promoting roles. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of CAFs on monocyte recruitment and macrophage polarization in breast cancer. CAFs, which were α-SMA expressing fibroblasts in contrast to normal fibroblasts (NFs), effectively recruited monocytes. Recruitment of monocytes by CAFs might be mediated by monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) as well as stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) cytokines. CAFs differentiated the recruited monocytes into M2-like macrophages which are capable of exerting their immunosuppressive roles via the PD-1 axis. CAF-educated monocytes exhibited strong immune suppression unlike NF-educated monocytes and enhanced the motility/invasion of breast cancer cells in addition to increasing the expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes and vimentin protein in cancer cells. CAF-educated M1 macrophages displayed increased expression of M2 markers and production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in contrast to decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-12 compared with control M1 macrophages; suggesting that CAFs were also able to induce the trans-differentiation of M1 macrophages to M2 macrophages. We then investigated the relationship between the infiltration of CAFs and tumour associated macrophages (TAMs) using tissue samples obtained from breast cancer patients. High grade of CAFs significantly correlated with the number of TAMs in human breast cancer tissue samples. It was also associated with higher Ki-67 proliferation index, and higher tumour volume. This result is in line with our finding of increased breast cancer cell proliferation due to the effects of CAF-educated monocytes in vitro. Our results concluded that CAFs play pivotal roles in sculpturing the tumour microenvironment in breast cancer, and therapeutic strategies to reverse the CAF-mediated immunosuppressive microenvironment should be taken into consideration.

Photobiomodulation with polychromatic light increases zone 4 survival of transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of relatively novel approach of application of polychromatic light waves on flap survival of experimental musculocutaneous flap model and to investigate efficacy of this modality as a delay procedure to increase vascularization of zone 4 of transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap. METHODS: Twenty-one Wistar rats were randomized and divided into 3 experimental groups (n = 7 each). In group 1 (control group), after being raised, the TRAM flap was sutured back to its bed without any further intervention. In group 2 (delay group), photobiomodulation (PBM) was applied for 7 days as a delay procedure, before elevation of the flap. In group 3 (PBM group), the TRAM flap was elevated, and PBM was administered immediately after the flap was sutured back to its bed for therapeutic purpose. PBM was applied in 48 hours interval from 10 cm. distance to the whole abdominal wall both in groups 2 and 3 for one week. After 7 days of postoperative follow-up, as the demarcation of necrosis of the skin paddle was obvious, skin flap survival was further evaluated by macroscopic, histological and microangiographic analysis. RESULTS: The mean percentage of skin flap necrosis was 56.17 ± 23.68 for group 1, 30.92 ± 17.46 for group 2 and 22.73 ± 12.98 for group 3 PBM receiving groups 2 and 3 revealed less necrosis when compared to control group and this difference was statistically significant. Vascularization in zone 4 of PBM applied groups 2 and 3 was higher compared to group 1 (P = 0.001). Acute inflammation in zone 4 of group 1 was significantly higher compared to groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.025). Similarly, evaluation of zone 1 of the flaps reveled more inflammation and less vascularization among the samples of the control group (P = 0.006 and P = 0.007, respectively). Comparison of PBM receiving two groups did not demonstrate further difference in means of vascularization and inflammation density (P = 0.259). CONCLUSION: Application of PBM in polychromatic fashion enhances skin flap survival in experimental TRAM flap model both on preoperative basis as a delay procedure or as a therapeutic approach. Lasers Surg. 51:538-549, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Upper airway features of unilateral cleft lip and palate patients in different growth stages.

OBJECTIVES: To compare growth-related changes of skeletal and upper airway features of unilateral cleft lip and palate subjects (UCLP) with non-cleft control (NCC) subjects by using lateral cephalograms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample comprised 238 subjects, collected cross-sectionally, divided into 2 groups: 94 with UCLP, and 144 NCC, subdivided into 4 groups according to their growth stages by using cervical vertebral maturation stage (CVMS). The subgroups were defined as early childhood (stage 1), prepubertal (stage 2: CVMS I and II), pubertal (stage 3: CVMS III and IV), and postpubertal (stage 4: CVMS V and VI). RESULTS: The maxilla was more retrognathic at stages 2, 3, and 4 in females with UCLP. The mandible was more retrognathic in UCLP at stage 1 in males, and stages 2 and 3 in females. ANB (angle between NA plane and NB plane) was significantly smaller in UCLP subjects at stage 4 for both sexes. A vertical growth pattern was seen in UCLP subjects except males at stages 2 and 3, and females at stage 2. Posterior airway space was significantly narrower at all stages in males and after stage 1 in females. Middle airway space was significantly wider at all stages in females and after stage 1 in males. Epiglottic airway space was significantly narrower in males at stage 3. CONCLUSIONS: Age- and sex-dependent differences in skeletal morphology and upper-airway widths of the UCLP subjects were identified when compared with controls.

Submucous cleft palate: from diagnosis to management

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to investigate submucous cleft palate (SMCP) patients in order to document the age of diagnosis, cause of referral, symptoms and palate findings, objective evaluation of nasalance and velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD), and intervention type. Material and methods: The archive of Hacettepe University Cleft Lip and Palate, Craniomaxillofacial Anomalies Research, Treatment, and Application Center was reviewed retrospectively, and 166 patients diagnosed with SMCP were documented. Results: The mean age of the patients at the time of initial referral was 10 years and 3 months ± 8 years and 5 months with the youngest being 1 month and the oldest 44 years old. The primary complaint of 127 (76.5%) patients was speech disorder. Seventy-nine patients underwent surgery, and the mean age was determined as 10 years ± 6 years and 8 months. Conclusion: The diagnosis of SMCP continues to be rather late, being delayed until a prominent speech disorder is present. Studies for the awareness of health professionals are of great importance for the early diagnosis and intervention of SMCP in order to prevent adverse effects.

Assessment of Neurologic Disorders and Rare Intracranial Anomalies Associated With Cleft Lip and Palate.

Accompanying neurologic disorders directly affect psychosocial development of cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CLP) patients and make it difficult for their family to look after them properly. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity and the incidence of additional neurologic malformations in children with CLP and to evaluate their effects on cleft care. All patients who applied to our Cleft and Craniofacial Center between July 2014 and July 2017 were included in the study. Demographic and perioperative data such as gender, cleft type, syndromic status of the patient, associated neurologic anomalies, timing and duration of operation, hospitalization period, and follow-up period in the intensive care unit are all recorded. All patients received an interdisciplinary evaluation including pediatric neurology specialists in terms of mental and/or motor developmental delay, epilepsy, and other neurologic disorders. After detailed neurologic examination, 83 (3.8%) out of 2190 were reported as having a neurologic defect. The most leading neurologic disorder was found to be mental-motor retardation in 57 children followed by epileptiform disorders detected in 36 children. In 22 patients, rare intracranial pathologies were detected on magnetic resonance imaging. According to our results, having a neurologic pathology increases the need for intensive care unit stay by 5 times in these patients. There was statistically significant relationship between hospitalization period, age of cleft surgery, and neurologic pathologies in these patients. Neurologic disorders could complicate cleft care, cause delays in the planned surgery schedule, and increase perioperative and postoperative morbidity.

Cleft Palate Repair Using Single Flap Palatoplasty in Patient With Associated Palatal Hemangioma.

Hemangiomas are the most common tumors of childhood with an average incidence of 10%. It is unusual for hemangiomas, which are already rarely seen isolated on the palate, to coexist with cleft palate as in the authors' patient. Four months old baby was admitted with isolated Veau 2 cleft palate and a red-purple colored raised lesion involving almost the whole right side of the hard palate. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed intensive contrasting solid nodule with a lobulated contour that was covering the right half of the hard palate, measuring 2.2×1.3 cm. To reduce the size of the vascular lesion 7 mg/d oral propranolol treatment was initiated. Following reduction in the size of hemangioma, the cleft palate was repaired at 11 months of age. Single mucoperiosteal flap from the left side of the palate preserving the major palatine artery was elevated whereas right mucoperisteal flap was minimally dissected not to interfere with the hemangioma. No intraoperative and postoperative complications in both the early and late term were experienced. As a result, since early palatal repair is important to obtain ideal speech outcomes in cleft patients, repair should be performed in similar patients with hemangiomas without delaying the timing.