An otorhinolaryngologist's view on the problem of children with submucous cleft palate

Abstract

Today, congenital cleft lip and palate (CCLP) is the most common congenital malformation of the maxillofacial area. According to different authors, the incidence of the defect among infants is 1 per 500--1000 depending on the region. In most cases, CCUPP is not difficult to diagnose; it is detected in the maternity hospital, and child with its parents is sent to a specialized institution for surgical treatment. However, there is a type of isolated cleft palate which may be very difficult to diagnose due to absence of evident defect of the palate. This is hidden (submucosal) congenital cleft palate. [1, 7]