Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Patients in Korea - 2422 cases in 20 years -

The Department of Plastic Surgery of the Yonsei University College of Medicine in Korea studied 2422 cases of cleft lip and cleft palate patients for 20 years An analysis of the date resulted in the following: 1) of the 33,130 live births in our hospital in 20 years (Jan. 1962-Dec. 1981), 44 of the birth certificates specified cleft lip or palate. This is a ratio of 1.33 cases per 1000 live births. 2) The ratios for left to right to bilateral cleft was 3.4:1.9:1.0. Higher percentage of males than females had cleft lip-palate combined, than cleft lip only. A higher percentage of females had cleft palate only. 3) A positive family history was noted in 151 out of 2422 cases; (6.3%). 4) 45% of the patients had an associated congenital malforation of which heart anomaly was the most common. 5) Lip closure was scheduled to be done within 3 months of age; palate closure was scheduled between 12 to 18 months. 6) The triangular flap method was used for the lip repair. The palate was repaired by the KilnerWardill method in all cases. The operative results were satisfactory m both lip controur and speech. Noting the lack of published reports about this topic, especially among the oricental population, we believe this paper will serve to enhance the knowledge of the field of cleft lip and cleft palate patients in Asia.