Chaco pediatric hospital provides free treatment for cleft lip cases

In Chaco, Argentina, between 25 and 30 children are born annually with cleft lip or palate. Plastic surgeon Pamela Díaz from the Avelino Castelán Pediatric Hospital confirmed that the province provides comprehensive, free treatment for these cases.

Diagnosis can be performed via 3D or 4D ultrasounds during pregnancy to allow for interdisciplinary planning. The medical protocol typically involves an initial surgery for the lip and nose around three months of age, provided the infant weighs over six kilograms. A subsequent palate surgery is generally performed between one and one and a half years of age. Early intervention is emphasized to prevent speech disorders and social issues such as bullying.