ALTERNATIVE TECHNIQUE OF CONSTRUCTING BILATERAL CLEFT-PALATE IN LATE CHILDHOOD - A CASE-REPORT AND LITERATURE-REVIEW

Although great advances in treatment of oro-facial clefts have been ma de over the past 50 years; in developing countries, due to social stig mas and unavailability of specialised medical facilities and personnel to the majority of the population, there is an increasing incidence o f patients coming late for repair of oro-facial clefts. This presents a challenge to both plastic, oral surgeons and associated specialists. The aim of the present article is to demonstrate, in the form of a ca se report, an alternative surgical technique that has be successful in 8 cases for the late repair of severe bitateral cleft palate utilizin g locally available and affordable materials. The objective of managin g patients with cleft palate in developing countries is to provide the best repair and rehabilitation with as few operations and in-patient care as possible due to limited financial resources experienced by the majority of in-patients. A mutlidisciplinary approach to the manageme nt of oro-facial clefts is emphasised.