Care for Cleft Lip and Palate: The Commitment Spanning a Patient's Lifetime

The care of children with cleft lip and palate spans an entire lifetime. It requires methodical care with a multidisciplinary team, and a special emphasis on the family. Integration with a child's pediatrician, medical home and their loved ones is key. While the oral cleft is the most common craniofacial malformation in a newborn, the three main types differ vastly.   We are in for a treat with the guest for this episode. We are joined by a gifted plastic surgeon who has traveled the world to perform these life-changing surgeries and bring smiles to everyone involved. Phuong Nguyen, MD, specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgery here at Children's Hospital Colorado. In addition, he is the associate vice chair of global surgery, chief of plastic surgery, co-director of the cleft lip and palate program and a professor of surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.  Some highlights from this episode include:  Prevalence and diagnosis of cleft lip and palate  The role of the pediatrician or PCP throughout the lifespan of these patients  Understanding if treatment is unique per patient  Global impact of specialists, like Dr. Nguyen, traveling to treat patients  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org