Surgery can be a scary proposition, especially if performed on your child. However, there are certain questions that can ground your expectations of surgery, and help glean information regarding the qualifications of your surgeon. The caring and experienced birth defects attorneys of the Mininno Law Office would like to offer a list of basic questions that you can ask your surgeon in the event that you are uncertain about the procedure and have not yet made a decision to have your child undergo it. While surgery is no small matter, it is important to realize that this step is greatly beneficial for your child and his or her overall well being.
What to Ask your Surgeon Regarding Oral Cleft Repair Procedures
You may want to ask some of the following questions to get a better feel for the procedure your child will undergo, as well as the knowledge and capabilities of your surgeon.
- How many cleft lip/palate corrective procedures has your surgeon performed?
- What are the risks and complications associated with the procedure?
- How are these complications handled?
- What options are available if the surgery is unsuccessful?
- What kind of results can you expect? Are there before and after photos that you can look at?
Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia
Many people who have a child born with a cleft lip or palate are confused about the cause of the birth defect and their legal rights. Most cleft lip/palate defects are believed to be caused through genetics and environmental factors. However, the FDA has recently announced that Topamax (Topiramate) has been linked to an increase in the development of cleft lips and palates.
If you believe that your child’s cleft lip/palate may have been influenced by your use of Topamax, it is important to act now and contact the experienced birth defects attorneys of the Mininno Law Office. Contact the Mininno Law Office in New Jersey at (856) 833-0600 or in Philadelphia at (215) 567-2380 for a free consultation and case evaluation.