Radical overlapping intravelar veloplasty during primary cleft palate repair results in decreased secondary speech surgery.

Background: There is growing evidence that performing a radical intravelar veloplasty (IVV) improves speech outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a radical IVV during primary palatoplasty on the rate of secondary speech surgery.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of primary palatoplasty using an IVV performed by a single surgeon from the year 2000 to 2023.

Evaluation of a high-fidelity cleft alveolar bone graft simulator.

Introduction: Cleft alveolar bone graft surgery is technically challenging to perform as well as difficult to learn and teach. A high-fidelity cleft alveolar bone graft simulator was previously developed. However, further evaluation of the simulator is necessary to assess its efficacy.

Bilateral Cleft lip Simulation.

Objective: To evaluate the features, anatomic accuracy, and educational value of a high-fidelity bilateral cleft lip simulator.

Design: Evaluation of the simulator by expert cleft surgeons after performing a simulated bilateral cleft lip repair.

Setting: The simulator was evaluated by the surgeons during the Latin American Craniofacial Association meeting.

FACE-Q Craniofacial Module: Part 1 validation of CLEFT-Q scales for use in children and young adults with facial conditions.

Background: The CLEFT-Q includes 12 independently functioning scales that measure appearance (face, nose, nostrils, teeth, lips, jaws), health-related quality of life (psychological, social, school, speech distress), and speech function, and an eating/drinking checklist. Previous qualitative research revealed that the CLEFT-Q has content validity in noncleft craniofacial conditions. This study aimed to examine the psychometric performance of the CLEFT-Q in an international sample of patients with a broad range of facial conditions.

An international study to develop the EAR-Q patient-reported outcome measure for children and young adults with ear conditions.

Background: There is currently a lack of patient-reported outcome measures for ear reconstruction. We developed the EAR-Q to measure ear appearance and post-operative adverse effects from the patient perspective.

Methods: Field-test data were collected from children and young adults in eight countries between 13 May 2016 and 12 December 2019.

Assessing Performance in Simulated Cleft Palate Repair Using a Novel Video Recording Setup.

Objective: To test the feasibility of implementing a high-fidelity cleft palate simulator during a workshop in Santiago, Chile, using a novel video endoscope to assess technical performance.

Design: Sixteen cleft surgeons from South America participated in a 2-day cleft training workshop. All 16 participants performed a simulated repair, and 13 of them performed a second simulated repair.

A High Fidelity Cleft Lip Simulator.

Background: Cleft lip surgery is technically difficult requiring precise planning and understanding of 3-dimensional structures to obtain an optimal outcome. A physical cleft lip simulator was developed that allows trainees to gain experience in cleft lip repair and primary rhinoplasty before operating on real patients.

Methods: A cleft lip simulator that comprises multilayered soft tissues, bone, and realistic dissection planes was developed using 3D printing, adhesive and polymer techniques.

Economy of Hand Motion During Cleft Palate Surgery Using a High-Fidelity Cleft Palate Simulator.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to assess economy of hand motion of residents, fellows, and staff surgeons using a high-fidelity cleft palate simulator to (1) stratify performance for the purpose of simulator validation and (2) to estimate the learning curve.

Design: Two residents, 2 fellows, and 2 staff surgeons performed cleft palate surgery on a high-fidelity cleft palate simulator while their hand motion was tracked using an electromagnetic hand sensor. The time, number of hand movements, and path length of their hands were determined for 10 steps of the procedure.

Assessing Technical Performance and Determining the Learning Curve in Cleft Palate Surgery Using a High-Fidelity Cleft Palate Simulator.

Background: This study assessed technical performance in cleft palate repair using a newly developed assessment tool and high-fidelity cleft palate simulator through a longitudinal simulation training exercise.

Methods: Three residents performed five and one resident performed nine consecutive endoscopically recorded cleft palate repairs using a cleft palate simulator. Two fellows in pediatric plastic surgery and two expert cleft surgeons also performed recorded simulated repairs.

International multiphase mixed methods study protocol to develop a cross-cultural patient-reported outcome instrument for children and young adults with cleft lip and/or palate (CLEFT-Q).

Introduction: Patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments should be developed according to rigorous guidelines in order to provide clinically meaningful, scientifically sound measurement. Understanding the methodology behind instrument development informs the selection of the most appropriate tool. This mixed methods protocol describes the development of an internationally applicable PRO instrument, the CLEFT-Q, for evaluating outcomes of treatment for cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P).