CLEFT & CRANIOFACIAL SURGERY

Cleft lip and palate are among the most common congenital craniofacial conditions occurring when the tissues forming the upper lip and/or palate do not fuse completely during early fetal development. These conditions may affect feeding, speech, hearing, dental development and facial appearance requiring comprehensive care from infancy through adulthood.

Since 1997, Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (HPUSM) has provided specialised care for patients with cleft lip, cleft palate and other craniofacial abnormalities. Treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together plastic and reconstructive surgeons, orthodontists, dental specialists, speech therapists and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive and coordinated patient care.

Clinical services include cleft lip and palate repair, alveolar bone grafting, orthodontic treatment, speech therapy and long-term follow-up. Through early intervention, appropriate surgical treatment and continuous rehabilitation, the Department aims to improve patients' functional outcomes, facial appearance and overall quality of life.

In addition to clinical services, the Department is actively involved in education, research and innovation related to cleft and craniofacial conditions, including studies on genetic and environmental factors. By integrating clinical expertise with research, the Department remains committed to advancing treatment approaches and improving long-term outcomes for patients and their families.