[Preliminary study of closing cleft of soft palate at an early age for complete cleft palate].

OBJECTIVE: The aim is to introduce the method closing the soft palate at an early age in order to produce better speech and lessen interruption to the development of maxilla.

METHODS: Clinical data of 37 cases with treated cleft were preliminarily analyzed. Some dental casts were measured.

RESULTS: 1. No complications of anaesthesia and surgery. Except 2 cases whose soft palates were split after surgery were observed as they were coughing. 2. A reduction in the width of the hard palate cleft was noticed.

CONCLUSION: Closing the soft palate at an early age is possible and safe. It shows that the Langebeck method could be used to close the hard palate of patients at an early age.