The role of the tensor veli palatini muscle in the development of cleft palate-associated middle ear problems.

OBJECTIVE: Otitis media with effusion is common in infants with an unrepaired cleft palate. Although its prevalence is reduced after cleft surgery, many children continue to suffer from middle ear problems during childhood. While the tensor veli palatini muscle is thought to be involved in middle ear ventilation, evidence about its exact anatomy, function, and role in cleft palate surgery is limited. This study aimed to perform a thorough review of the literature on (1) the role of the tensor veli palatini muscle in the Eustachian tube opening and middle ear ventilation, (2) anatomical anomalies in cleft palate infants related to middle ear disease, and (3) their implications for surgical techniques used in cleft palate repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search on the MEDLINE database was performed using a combination of the keywords "tensor veli palatini muscle," "Eustachian tube," "otitis media with effusion," and "cleft palate." RESULTS: Several studies confirm the important role of the tensor veli palatini muscle in the Eustachian tube opening mechanism. Maintaining the integrity of the tensor veli palatini muscle during cleft palate surgery seems to improve long-term otological outcome. However, anatomical variations in cleft palate children may alter the effect of the tensor veli palatini muscle on the Eustachian tube's dilatation mechanism. CONCLUSION: More research is warranted to clarify the role of the tensor veli palatini muscle in cleft palate-associated Eustachian tube dysfunction and development of middle ear problems. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Optimized surgical management of cleft palate could potentially reduce associated middle ear problems.

A pragmatic approach to infants with Robin sequence: a retrospective cohort study and presence of a treatment algorithm.

OBJECTIVES: Initial approaches to and treatments of infants with Robin sequence (RS) is diverse and inconsistent. The care of these sometimes critically ill infants involves many different medical specialties, which can make the decision process complex and difficult. To optimize the care of infants with RS, we present our institution's approach and a review of the current literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 75 infants diagnosed with RS and managed at our institution in the 1996-2012 period. Additionally, the conducted treatment regimen in this paper was discussed with recent literature describing the approach of infants with RS. RESULTS: Forty-four infants (59%) were found to have been treated conservatively. A significant larger proportion of nonisolated RS infants than isolated RS infants needed surgical intervention (53 vs. 25%, p = .014). A mandibular distraction was conducted in 24% (n = 18) of cases, a tracheotomy in 9% (n = 7), and a tongue-lip adhesion in 8% (n = 6). Seventy-seven percent of all infants had received temporary nasogastric tube feeding. The literature review of 31 studies showed that initial examinations and the indications to perform a surgical intervention varied and were often not clearly described. CONCLUSIONS: RS is a heterogenic group with a wide spectrum of associated anomalies. As a result, the decisional process is challenging, and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment is desirable. Current treatment options in literature vary, and a more uniform approach is recommended. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We provide a comprehensive and pragmatic approach to the analysis and treatment of infants with RS, which could serve as useful guidance in other clinics.

Accurate diagnosis of prenatal cleft lip/palate by understanding the embryology.

Cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CP) is one of the most common congenital malformations. Ultrasonographers involved in the routine 20-wk ultrasound screening could encounter these malformations. The face and palate develop in a very characteristic way. For ultrasonographers involved in screening these patients it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the embryology of the face. This could help them to make a more accurate diagnosis and save time during the ultrasound. Subsequently, the current postnatal classification will be discussed to facilitate the communication with the CP teams.

Use of early hard palate closure using a vomer flap in cleft lip and palate patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of the vomer flap during cleft palate closure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all consecutive unilateral/bilateral complete cleft lip and palate (Veau III en IV) children who were treated by a simultaneous lip and hard palate closure using a vomer flap. Data were collected for sex, date of birth, syndrome, adoption, cleft palate type, type of repair, date of cleft repair, cleft width, lateral incisions, fistula and location of fistula. RESULTS: Ninety-one children (M = 62, F 29) were operated. Mean age at time of lip closure and vomer flap was 5.8 months (range 2.9 months to 49.2 months, SD 7.1) and the mean age at palate closure was 13.6 months (range 6.3 months to 79.9 months, SD 10.8). The mean cleft width at first assessment was 13.0 mm (range 7-22 mm) compared to 8.8 mm (range 4-15 mm) at second assessment (mean difference 4.6 mm, 95% CI 3.93-5.35, p < 0.01). One patient developed a fistula (1.1%) and required secondary surgery for closure. CONCLUSION: The vomer flap leads to a substantial decrease in cleft width, subsequently leading to a low fistula incidence (1.1%).

Surgical learning curve in performing palatoplasty: A retrospective study in 200 patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of the experience of the surgeon on the occurrence of fistulas following palatoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of consecutive children treated between 2006 and 2013 for cleft palate by a single surgeon. Cleft palate repair was performed using the von Langenbeck technique, Furlow palatoplasty, buccal flap or Vomer flap. Data was collected for age, sex, date of birth, syndrome, adoption, cleft palate type, type of repair, cleft width, fistula occurrence and location of fistula. RESULTS: A total of 276 operations were performed in 200 children (Veau I, II, III, IV). Mean age at surgery was 21.9 months (range: 6.2 months to 26 years 8.3 months). Postoperatively, palatal fistulas occurred in eight patients (4.0%), however, the incidence was 3.0% in the non-adoption group and 9.7% in the adoption population. In this study there was no statistically significant evidence of a surgical learning curve, and no significant associations between fistula rate and sex, adoption, syndrome, cleft type, cleft width, or type of repair. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study demonstrates a fistula formation rate of 3.0% for the non-adoption population and 9.7% for the adoption population. There was no statistically significant evidence of a learning curve during the first few years of performing cleft palate repair. No other independent risk factors for postoperative fistula formation were identified; however, the benefit of a vomer flap and subsequent reduction in fistula incidence was demonstrated.