On World Cleft Day today, approximately 12 children with a cleft lip condition are eagerly anticipating free reconstructive surgery at Nyeri County Referral Hospital next month.
Dr. Shaban Saidi, Deputy Medical Superintendent and a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Nyeri County Referral Hospital, said the hospital boasts a comprehensive cleft health centre.
"We provide comprehensive care for cleft lip and palate, a congenital deformity affecting a child's mouth," Dr. Saidi said. He went on to explain that their care begins from birth, assisting the child with feeding as they struggle due to the gap in the roof of their mouth.
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"Cleft children face challenges with feeding; they cannot sip because of the hole, cannot breastfeed due to the gap, and have difficulty holding a breast," the doctor said.
The surgeon said it is relatively easy for a normal child to gain five and a half kilos in weight, but for a child with a cleft condition, this is very challenging due to feeding difficulties.
He further clarified that when a child is born with a cleft deformity, parents receive nutrition guidance and are advised on how to provide the child with nutritional supplements.
"Some children are given nutritional supplements to help them gain enough weight to qualify for surgery. The first operation is typically performed when a child reaches three and a half months and has reached a weight of five and a half kilos," Dr Saidi said.
He added that the cleft palate deformity consists of two parts: the visible lip cleft on the outside, which can be operated on when the child is three and a half months old and weighs five kilos or more, known as cleft lip surgery.
"After the first surgery, we closely monitor the child's progress, ensuring they gain weight and reach the age of nine months before performing the surgery on the palate, which involves the bone inside the upper jaw," he said.
The surgeon said after one year, a speech therapist is available to assist the child in developing proper speech, especially for those who have developed sounds that need correction, as some of them undergo surgery at a later stage.
"Subsequently, the child undergoes another surgery performed by an orthodontic doctor to address the muscles of the teeth. A dental brace is then placed on the teeth to facilitate alignment, straightening, and positioning in relation to the person's bite.
"This helps improve dental health and correct any gaps resulting from the cleft," the surgeon said.
Dr. Saidi added that while some children come to the hospital seeking cleft surgery, at times, the hospital prepares for a dedicated camp where one operating theatre is allocated for cleft surgeries.