The Department of Dentistry at Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences and Kasturba Hospital, Sevagram, recently achieved success in treating two cases involving cleft lip and cleft palate.
Ms. Anushka Walake, a 5-year-old girl with a complete cleft palate on the right side, sought care at the Department of Dentistry. The hospital team, including dental surgeons, anesthetists, and pediatricians, collaborated for the surgical correction of her cleft palate. In another case, 8-month-old Samarthi Hatwar, a female child, underwent surgical repair for her left cleft lip. "Both surgeries have been successful and will contribute to improved functionality and aesthetics in these children," informed Dr. Abhilasha Yadav (Dental Surgeon and Associate Professor of Dentistry, MGIMS).
Cleft lip and cleft palate are congenital anomalies affecting the facial structures and oral cavities of newborns. In India, these conditions affect approximately 1 in every 700 live births. Their manifestation has profound implications for speech, appearance, and overall quality of life. Cleft lip refers to a split in the upper lip, while cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth. These conditions can occur separately or together, leading to issues with eating, spitting up, and appearance.
"Addressing these complex conditions requires specialized medical attention, including surgical interventions and a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to ensure comprehensive physical and emotional development in affected children," said Dr. Abhilasha Yadav.
"The competency of our dedicated team resulted not only in successful surgical outcomes but also in comprehensive preoperative and postoperative care. Following the surgeries, patients received dedicated attention in the Pediatrics ICU. The hospital stays and all medical procedures for both children were provided free of cost," informed Dr. Poonam Shivkumar Varma (Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital).
"These young children will soon experience the joys of normalcy, both in terms of their appearance and functional abilities. Their progress is supported by regular follow-ups, paving the way for further interventions as necessary," informed Dr. P Sanghvi (Head of Dentistry, MGIMS).