Incidence of operative procedures on cleft lip and palate patients

The incidence of operative procedures in a group of 374 cleft lip and palat e patients was determined by a chart review, These patients were part of a long term study funded by the National Institute of Dental Research at the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic. The chart review provided a breakdown of the primary and secondary procedures performed on the patients. Although the s econdary procedures carried out were underestimated in this study, it is cl ear that these operations comprise a major component of the successful trea tment of these patients. The results of the study and the implications in t oday's managed care environment are discussed.