The face is an important source of
information in interpersonal communication. It is the focus of attention in
face-to-face interaction, and gives us information on which we form initial,
automatic impression of other people. Cleft lip and palate forms a group of
facial anomalies that have an additional disadvantage of being located in the
nose mouth area and can have a significant physical and psychological impact on
the patient.
It
occurs due to non-fusion of the body's natural structures that form before
birth. Cleft lip and palate is the second most common birth defect and the most
common birth defect on the face. Approximately 1 in every 800 live births in
India suffers with this deformity. Males are more affected than females
Most clefts can be categorized into
three broad categories: cleft lip without a cleft palate, cleft palate without
a cleft lip, cleft lip and cleft palate together
The major problems with cleft lip
and palate are feeding , speaking, hearing and social integration.
Most children around the world, who
have their clefts repaired early enough are able to have a happy youth and
social life. Due to huge population, illiteracy and poverty in our country most
of our children are not operated. These
children have a huge psychosocial issues relating
to self concept, low self esteem , peer relationships and appearance, they never leave their homes are not
allowed to attend school or hold a job and face very difficult lives
filled with shame, isolation, pain and heartache .
The exact cause of cleft lip and
palate is unknown, but it’s thought to be caused by a combination of genetic
and environmental factors. Cleft lip and palate can sometimes have a family
link or genetic predisposition. Other causes ; having an infection, smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy , folic acid deficiency, stress, fever during early pregnancy, overweight ,taking certain medicines at the time of pregnancy , radiation
exposure are come common factors causing cleft lip and palate.
The solution is a 45min surgery
that can change the life of the child completely. The first surgery for the lip
is at 3-4 months of age followed by palate surgery at the age of 1year before
the development of speech. This is followed by speech therapy after 2 years of
age.
Cleft lip and palate can be
easily corrected it is not a disease child leads a healthy and normal life
after the surgery; so let’s give every child with a cleft a chance to smile
Dr. Gagan Sabharwal
Project director and chief surgeon
Dr. T.N.Sabharwal center for cleft
and craniofacial surgery
Navjeevan Hospital, Pitampura, New
Delhi
Email:- cforclap@gmail.com
Ph:- +91-9711112290
We provide surgery for
underprivileged children costing 25000/- at 10% cost (2500/-)
You can
help by sending donations in Favor of “Dr.T.N.Sabharwal Healthcare Trust” to
Dr. Gagan Sabharwal at G- 241 Naraina Vihar New Delhi -110028
