A survey of trend in cleft lip and palate management in oral & maxillofacial surgery in Korea.

한국 구강악안면외과 수련병원의 구순구개열 환자의 치료경향에 관한 조사

The purpose of this survey was to obtain an overall view of the status of cleft lip and palate management in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery(OMFS) in Korea. Korea Cleft lip and Palate Association conducted mailed survey which was composed of 29 questions conceming pre-operative and post-operative management in CLP surgery and completed by 58 training hospital. Of 58 questionnaires sent, 23 were returned(response rate of 40%). Authors compared this results with those of other similar surneys, which reveal much difference between OMFS and Plastic Surgery(PS) in CLP treatment. In OMFS, many surgeons were in favor of presugical orthopaedics than lip adhesion to manage protruded premaxilla. It reflects interdisciplinary team approach between OMFS and orthodontic department reduces the need of lip adhesion through presurgical orthopaedics. Timing of palatal surgery was later than that of PS, which reflects concern for an impediment of maxillaty growth. To our knowledge, this survey may be the first on organization and management for cleft patient in OMFS in Korea.