ENT - Cleft Lip, Palate and Tongue Tie Flashcards
What is a cleft lip?
Congenital condition where there is a split or open section of upper lip
Can occur at any point and can extend to the nose
What is a cleft palate?
Defect exists in hard or soft palate at the roof of the mouth
Leaves opening between mouth and nasal cavity
Can occur together or alone with cleft lip
What are cleft lips or palates associated with?
Mainly random
No traditional inheritance pattern, relative with it make it slightly more likely
3/10 cases are associated with another underlying syndrome
What are the complications of cleft lips and palates?
Feeding, swallowing and speech difficulties
Psycho-social implications
Affected bond between mother and child
Very good prognosis with surgery
What are children with cleft palates more prone to?
Hearing problems
Ear infections
Glue ear
How are cleft lips and palates managed?
Cleft lip services referral
Involes specialist MDT
First priority
Ensure baby can eat and drink
May involve specially shaped bottles and teats
Specialist nurse will follow child up through surgery and beyond to ensure good development
Who is involved in the cleft lip services MDT?
Specialist nurses to support and coordinate care
Plastic, maxfax and ENT
Dentists
SALT
Psychologists
GPs
What is the definitive treatment for cleft lips of palates?
Surgical correction
Leaves subtle scar but generally very successful
When is surgery for cleft lips and palates performed?
Lip
3 months
Palate
6-12 months
What are tongue ties also called?
Ankyloglossia
What happens in a tongue tie?
Baby born with short and tight lingual frenulum
Prevents them extending tongue properly
What are some issues with tongue ties?
Difficulty with latching onto breast
Poor feeding
How do tongue ties present?
Poor feeding
or
Noticed by mother, midwife, or doctor on new-born checks
How are tongue ties managed?
Mild can be monitored and not expected to cause issues
If feeding is affected frenotomy
Where can a frenotomy be done?
Ward or in clinic without anaesthetic
