Expert consensus on comprehensive care for patients with cleft lip and palate

"Expert consensus on comprehensive care for patients with cleft lip and palate"Authoring Committee; LIU Fan; LI Chenghao

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1673-7040.2025.12.001

Abstract：Cleft lip and palate is a common congenital malformation of the orofacial region,characterized by the clefting of lip and palatal soft and hard tissues,which significantly impacts patients both physically and psychologically.The treatment model primarily in-volves multidisciplinary collaboration with surgical reconstruction as the mainstay,while nursing care plays a crucial role throughout the entire process and is a key factor influencing therapeutic outcomes.This study systematically reviewed domestic and international literature,including guidelines,expert consensus statements,systematic reviews,evidence summaries,and original research related to nursing care for patients with cleft lip and palate.Integrating expert experience,we conducted two rounds of Delphi consultations.Based on this work,we propose recommendations for comprehensive nursing care throughout the entire disease course for patients with cleft lip and palate.These recommendations span three phases-pre-hospital,in-hospital,and post-hospital-and cover 16 key aspects,including infant feeding,nu-tritional management,preoperative nursing risk assessment,fluid intake and output management,airway management,postoperative nurs-ing considerations for different surgeries,dietary care,pain management,wound care,observation and management of postoperative com-plications,and psychological support.The study consolidates relevant consensus to provide specialized CLP healthcare professionals with standardized nursing protocols and operational guidelines.This aims to reduce variability and uncertainty in nursing practices,ensure uni-formity and scientific rigor in care quality,and ultimately enhance the overall therapeutic outcomes for CLP patients.