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

Alfaro Pacheco C.E.; Leon Manco R.A.; del Rocio Lu Chang Say M. · Revista Cubana de Medicina Militar (2025)

Resumen

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.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia