A case of bilateral cleft lip and palate requiring long-term cannulation: A case report

Cleft lip, with or without a cleft palate, is the most common craniofacial birth defect. Speech disorders, particularly impairment in articulation, are severe problems resulting from the velopharyngeal incompetence associated with a cleft palate. In cases requiring prolonged tracheal cannulation further delays speech and language development, especially during the pre-verbal period of an infant. In this case report, we describe the treatment course of an infant with bilateral cleft lip and palate requiring long-term cannulation. The patient underwent tracheotomy due to laryngotracheal stenosis after cheiloplasty at the age of 1 year. The tracheal cannula was in situ for a period of 6 years (to the age of 6 years). An intensive program of articulation and vocalization practice was performed during the period of tracheal cannulation. Following removal, the patient acquired almost normal speech and language functions. Coordination between several disciplines was critical for treatment to benefit the patient.