If your child was born with a cleft lip or palate, you most likely have considered the option of surgery to correct the birth defect. However, many people talk about surgery but do not know what it actually entails. The caring and experienced birth defects attorneys of the Mininno Law Office believe that knowledge of a procedure is essential to an informed decision. There are three essential steps to a cleft palate surgery;
- Anesthesia,
- Incision, and
- Closing Incision.
Elaborating on the Three Essential Steps of Cleft Lip/Palate Surgery
First, your child is given anesthesia for his or her comfort during the surgery. There are choices between intravenous sedation and general anesthesia, and your doctor will recommend the best choice for your child.
Second, for a cleft lip surgery, the doctor attempts to close the lip, to provide a more normal function and structure. Incisions are made on the lip and the tissue is drawn together and stitched to close the cleft. The repair of a cleft palate requires repositioning of tissues and muscles to close the cleft and rebuild the roof of the mouth, which is then stitched at the midline of the roof and allows for normal feeding and speech development.
The third step, closing the incisions, is done in such a way that the scar lines up with the normal ridge of the lip. This helps prevent the scar from standing out and helps it appear completely normal.
Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia
Parents of children born with a cleft palate birth defect are sure to have questions about their legal rights. In many situations, there is little that can be done because the birth defect is genetic or caused by environmental factors. However, the FDA has recently announced that Topamax (Topiramate) has increased the likelihood of the development of a cleft lip/palate.
If you believe that your use of Topamax may have contributed to your child’s cleft palate, act now and contact the Mininno Law Office. The experienced birth defect attorneys of the Mininno Law Office can be reached at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia for a free consultation or case evaluation.
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