Outcomes of Cleft Lip Repair for Internationally Adopted Children

BACKGROUND:Large numbers of international children with cleft lip–cleft palate are adopted in the United States; many underwent their first operation before arrival. METHODS:The authors reviewed records of internationally adopted children with cleft lip–cleft palate treated by one surgeon over 25 years. This study focused on anatomical types, frequency/methods of repair, correction of unrepaired deformities, and secondary procedures in this country. RESULTS:Of 105 internationally adopted children with cleft lip–cleft palate, 91 percent were Asian; 75 percent had labial or labiopalatal closure in their native country. Of repaired unilateral cleft lips, 43 percent required complete revision, 49 percent required minor revisions, and 8 percent required no revision. All repaired bilateral cleft lips were revised; 90 percent were complete and 10 percent were minor. “Delayed” primary nasal correction was always necessary in both unilateral and bilateral forms. Labial closure was scheduled first in young infants with an unrepaired unilateral defect, whereas palatal closure took precedence in older children. Premaxillary setback and palatoplasty were scheduled first in older children with unrepaired bilateral cleft lip–cleft palate. Of children arriving with repaired palate, 43 percent required a pharyngeal flap. CONCLUSIONS:Whenever cleft lip–cleft palate is repaired in another country, revision rates are high for both unilateral and bilateral types. Nevertheless, primary closure in the native country may increase the likelihood for adoption. Traditional surgical protocols often are altered for an adoptee with an unrepaired cleft lip–cleft palate, particularly the sequence of labial and palatal closure, depending on the childʼs age and type of defect.