Long-Term, Longitudinal Follow-Up of Individuals with UCLP after the Gothenburg Primary Early Veloplasty and Delayed Hard Palate Closure Protocol: Maxillofacial Growth Outcome

The two-stage protocol we advocate for repair of the palatal cleft resulted in very satisfactory growth outcome. A palatal scar, which might impair maxillary development, was created only by the velar surgery. If this scar is located close to the posterior border of the hard palate, it might result in less maxillary growth restriction than if it is positioned further anteriorly.