Statistical Survey of Patients' Satisfaction with the Results of Cleft Lip and Palate Repair (Part Two)

Abstract

Questionnaires including 14 items were sent to 320 patients with cleft lip and/or palate, including submucous cleft palate and congenital velopharyngeal closure incompetence. There were 215 (67.2%) response. We reported in part 1 the 8 items dealing with the psychological aspects of the patients and their parents. This paper reports the other 6 items about the satisfaction with the operative results. 9. Results of cleft lip and nose repair The response was ‘satisfied’ in 10% and ‘satisfied but hoping for further improvement’ in 70%. 10. Results of palate surgery About 25% were satisfied and about 70% nearly satisfied but hoping for further improvement. 11. Speech Thirty percent were satisfied and 50% answered that their speech was intelligible but sometimes distorted. 12. Dental and orthodontic problems About 70% of cleft lip and palate patients desired orthodontic treatment for malocclusion. 13. Utilization of special medical insurance for children with congenital malformation The utilization rate was 80%. 14. Requests of the hospital Systematic treatment or training, including explanations, were desired by the majority of the patients. In summary, the above results showed that many patients or their parents hope for further improvement though they expressed satisfaction. Some patients with excessive demands above the possibilities of current medical techniques should be advised of the free situation. However, these demands and requests from the patients should be received frankly and respectfully so that medical care can be improved in the future. © 1986, The Society of Practical Otolaryngology. All rights reserved.