Recent trend of cleft palate operation

Abstract

Since the first success to close the cleft palate with muco periosteal flap by von Langenbeck, many improvements were made not only the technique but speech therapy, orthodontic treatment and anesthesiology. The author makes a review on the history of the cleft palate operation, and present concepts on the treatment of the cleft palate from the standpoint of the speech results and maxillary growth. Ten years ago, the surgeon made operation only to gain good speech results, but now he must think of maxillary growth at the same time. It is now fell known, that the early operation (1–2 years old) with mucoperiosteal flap results mal development of the maxilla. In eastern Europe, late operation (after 3–4 years old) are in common. But in western Europe, United States and Japan early operation is still prevailing. Several methods were reported which could preserve maxillary growth, yet problems remain in the speech. The author wish to introduce these methods, including his two stage method (Osada method). © 1985, The Keio Journal of Medicine. All rights reserved.