Cleft lip surgery is a serious procedure that requires extensive planning on not only the surgeon’s part, but also the family of the newborn with a birth defect. After thorough consultations and examinations, your physician may choose to perform a cleft lip surgery. If so, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits along with steps to be taken before the surgery. Birth defects are troubling for both the family and the child and the risk of oral malformations is increased with the use of Topamax during pregnancy.
The Surgical Process
Diagnostic screenings will be needed in order to avoid reactions from the medications that will be given to your new baby for the surgery. The first phase of the surgery is the anesthesia. The anesthesia will be administered to your baby to put him or her in a “sleep like coma” to avoid pain. The sedation can be given generally or intravenously, and will be chosen depending on your doctor’s recommendations. Next, an incision will be made on either side of the cleft. This flap will then be sewn together to close the cleft. If the incision is successful the surgery is complete and your baby will wake up when the sedation wears off. Once your child is awake, it is important to closely follow the surgeon’s suggestions on caring for the wound. Certain medications may be taken orally or applied directly to the incision to aid in preventing infection and strengthening the new formation. There will be specific feeding restrictions for your child which your doctor will suggest for you. Following surgery, you may find your baby restrained to keep him or her from touching the surgical site until it heals. This surgery is the first of the process to correct clefts, and depending on the outcome of this surgery and your child’s individual case, he or she may need to undergo follow up procedures for health or cosmetic reasons.
Birth Defect Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia
If your child was recently born with a birth defect, such as cleft lip or cleft palate, and you believe it may be attributed to your use of Topamax during pregnancy, you most likely have a list of questions. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.