Factors associated with delay in primary lip surgery in children with cleft lip and palate

Authors

Keywords:

cleft lip, oral surgery, plastic surgery, reconstructive surgical procedures

Abstract

Introduction: Treatment guidelines for cleft lip and palate recommend performing cheiloplasty between 3 and 6 months of age, as delays affect the comprehensive treatment plan and postpone rehabilitation.

Objective: To determine the factors associated with the delay of cheiloplasty in children with cleft lip and palate in a university social program.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted with children enrolled in the CRECIENDO program at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia.  Patients were selected by convenience sampling, and only medical records containing the study variables were included. The final sample consisted of 155 children who met the eligibility criteria. Variables analyzed included the timing of cheiloplasty, socioeconomic and family characteristics, surgical aspects, and child-related factors. Data were processed in STATA 18 using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Poisson regression with prevalence ratios (95% CI, p < 0.05).

Results: Risk analysis showed significant associations between delayed cheiloplasty and several variables, including late admission to the program, father’s occupation, presence of surgical limitations, place of surgery, systemic diseases, and nutritional factors (95% CI; p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Delayed cheiloplasty reflects the combined influence of clinical and social factors that hinder timely surgical care for children with cleft lip and palate. Strengthening comprehensive programs from early stages, with nutritional support and family involvement, is essential. Furthermore, consolidating inter-institutional networks and implementing public health strategies aimed at reducing barriers can ensure continuity of treatment and improving their overall development.

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Author Biographies

Carlos Eduardo Alfaro Pacheco, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia

Cirujano Dentista • Docente Facultad de Estomatología de la Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia • Magister en Geriatría y Gerontología • Especialidad de Estomatología de Pacientes Especiales • Especialidad en Salud Pública Estomatológica • Investigador asociado del instituto de gerontología (IGERO) de la Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia • Miembro de la unidad de investigación de la facultad de Medicina, estomatología y enfermería de la Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia • Asociado a la International Association for Disability and Oral Health (IADH), a la Asociación Sociedad Peruana de Odontoestomatología de Pacientes Especiales (ASPODES) y Red Interuniversitaria de Envejecimiento Saludable, Latinoamérica y Caribe (RIES LAC).

Roberto Antonio Leon Manco, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia

Cirujano Dentista • Docente Facultad de Estomatología de la Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia • Maestro en salud pública • Especialista en salud pública estomatológica • Jefe de la Unidad Integrada de Gestión en Investigación, Ciencia y Tecnología Fac. Medicina, Estomatología y Enfermería – Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia •Coordinador especialidad Salud Pública Estomatológica de la Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia.

Maria del Rocio Lu Chang Say, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia

Cirujano Dentista • Docente Facultad de Estomatología de la Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia • Maestría en Estomatología • Especialidad en Ortopedia y Ortodoncia • Directora del Programa "CRECIENDO" de la Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia.

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Published

2025-11-28

How to Cite

1.
Alfaro Pacheco CE, Leon Manco RA, Lu Chang Say M del R. Factors associated with delay in primary lip surgery in children with cleft lip and palate. Rev. cuba. med. mil [Internet]. 2025 Nov. 28 [cited 2025 Nov. 29];54(4):e025075934. Available from: https://revmedmilitar.sld.cu/index.php/mil/article/view/75934

Issue

Vol. 54 No. 4 (2025): October - December (In Progress)

Section

Research Article

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Copyright (c) 2025 Carlos Eduardo Alfaro Pacheco

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