Evolving consensus in cleft care guidelines: Proceedings of the 13 th annual conference of the Indian society of cleft lip palate and craniofacial anomalies

Abstract

Introduction: The multi-disciplinary approach to cleft care has been a reality since the beginning of the last century, but there is a paucity of literature discussing or recommending specific cleft protocols. This is understandable due to the significant difference in cleft protocols around the world and the controversies surrounding each of them. Material and Methods: The Indian Society of Cleft Lip Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies in its 13 th Annual Conference discussed threadbare the different protocols around the world and propose a guideline to Indian surgeons delivering cleft care. Results and Discussion: These guidelines though not binding, are supposed to be pointers to a generally accepted standard for cleft care, considering the unique circumstances and limitations of cleft care providers in developing countries like India. It is a "best practice" indicator which, if adhered to by all the cleft care providers, will soon bring about uniformity in cleft care deliverance and allow us to evaluate our results on a much larger scale than has hitherto been possible.

Keywords

• cleft surgery
• protocol
• recommendations