Top Hospitals in Colorado: Your Go-To Guide for Quality Healthcare
Overview
Having a child born with a cleft palate or cleft lip can be an emotional and challenging experience for any parent. Finding the right hospital for repair surgery is crucial to ensure your child receives the highest quality of care. This article provides an in-depth look at the top 10 hospitals in South California that specialize in cleft lip and cleft palate repair.
Understanding Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that occur when a baby's lip or mouth do not form properly during pregnancy. A cleft lip occurs when the tissue that forms the upper lip does not join completely, leaving an opening. A cleft palate occurs when the roof of the mouth, called the palate, does not develop normally, leaving an opening between the mouth and nose. These defects can occur together or separately and require surgical repair.
Origin and Diagnosis
Cleft lip and cleft palate originate very early in pregnancy. As the fetus develops, tissues in the mouth and face naturally fuse together. In babies with clefts, this fusion does not happen properly. Clefts are diagnosed during pregnancy using a cleft lip ultrasound or after birth during a physical exam. The severity of the cleft can vary and may be unilateral, bilateral, or midline.
Available Treatments
The treatment for cleft lip and cleft palate focuses on surgically repairing the defects and improving appearance as well as speech, language, hearing, and other developmental issues. Surgery to repair a cleft lip is usually done between 3 to 6 months of age. Surgery to repair a cleft palate is usually done between 9 months and 12 months of age. Additional surgeries and treatments such as speech therapy may be required as the child grows.
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With comprehensive treatment from a team of doctors and therapists, children with cleft lips and cleft palates can thrive and live full, healthy lives with minimal long-term impacts. Early diagnosis, intervention and family support are key to the best outcomes.
Children's Hospital Colorado
Children's Hospital Colorado, located in Aurora, Colorado, is renowned for its comprehensive Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic. The clinic collaborates with every specialty in the hospital to advance new surgical techniques and provide top-tier care. Recognized for its outstanding outcomes, the clinic is endorsed by the American Cleft Palate Association. The hospital offers a broad range of pediatric services and is dedicated to delivering innovative and compassionate care tailored to the needs of children and their families.
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Key Highlights:
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Comprehensive Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic with multidisciplinary collaboration.
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Recognized by the American Cleft Palate Association for outstanding outcomes.
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Focus on advancing new surgical techniques and providing top-tier care.
13123 East 16th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045
Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children
Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children, located in Denver, Colorado, is known for its specialized care in pediatric conditions. The hospital provides state-of-the-art treatment for cleft lip and palate among other services, ensuring comprehensive care from infancy through adolescence. With a focus on advanced medical treatments and patient-centered care, Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children is dedicated to improving health outcomes and supporting the overall development and well-being of its pediatric patients.
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Key Highlights:
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Specialized care in pediatric conditions, including cleft lip and palate.
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State-of-the-art treatments and comprehensive care from infancy through adolescence.
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Commitment to advanced medical treatments and patient-centered care.
2001 N High St, Denver, CO 80205
University of Colorado Hospital
University of Colorado Hospital, located in Aurora, Colorado, is part of the Anschutz Medical Campus and offers innovative care backed by cutting-edge research. The hospital employs a multidisciplinary approach to treating cleft lip and palate, integrating the latest medical advancements and collaborative care. Known for its commitment to excellence and comprehensive treatment options, University of Colorado Hospital ensures that each patient receives personalized and effective care tailored to their needs.
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Key Highlights:
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Innovative care backed by cutting-edge research on the Anschutz Medical Campus.
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Multidisciplinary approach to treating cleft lip and palate.
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Commitment to excellence and comprehensive treatment options.
12605 E. 16th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045
Denver Health Medical Center
Denver Health Medical Center, located in Denver, Colorado, provides robust pediatric care, including specialized treatments for cleft lip and palate. Supported by a team of experts dedicated to improving patient outcomes, the hospital offers comprehensive care that addresses both medical and developmental needs. Denver Health is committed to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare and is recognized for its dedication to patient-centered care and innovative treatment approaches.
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Key Highlights:
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Robust pediatric care with specialized treatments for cleft lip and palate.
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Team of experts dedicated to improving patient outcomes.
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Commitment to high-quality, accessible healthcare and patient-centered care.
777 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204
St. Joseph Hospital
St. Joseph Hospital, located in Denver, Colorado, offers advanced pediatric services, including treatments for cleft lip and palate. The hospital focuses on comprehensive care that supports the child’s overall development and well-being. With a commitment to integrating all necessary medical and rehabilitative services, St. Joseph Hospital ensures that each child receives personalized, high-quality care aimed at achieving the best possible outcomes.
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Key Highlights:
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Advanced pediatric services including cleft lip and palate treatments.
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Focus on comprehensive care supporting overall development and well-being.
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Integration of medical and rehabilitative services for personalized care.
1375 E 19th Ave, Denver, CO 80218
Sky Ridge Medical Center
Sky Ridge Medical Center, located in Lone Tree, Colorado, offers specialized pediatric services with a focus on cleft lip and palate. The hospital provides treatments that integrate the latest surgical advancements with patient-centered care. Sky Ridge Medical Center is committed to delivering high-quality healthcare that supports the unique needs of each child and their family, ensuring optimal health outcomes and comprehensive support throughout the treatment process.
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Key Highlights:
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Specialized pediatric services with a focus on cleft lip and palate.
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Integration of the latest surgical advancements and patient-centered care.
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Commitment to high-quality healthcare and comprehensive support.
10101 RidgeGate Pkwy, Lone Tree, CO 80124
Poudre Valley Hospital
Poudre Valley Hospital, located in Fort Collins, Colorado, is known for its comprehensive pediatric care. The hospital provides expert treatments for cleft lip and palate among other complex pediatric conditions. With a focus on integrated and multidisciplinary care, Poudre Valley Hospital ensures that children receive personalized and coordinated treatment plans that address both their medical and developmental needs.
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Key Highlights:
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Comprehensive pediatric care including treatments for cleft lip and palate.
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Expert care for complex pediatric conditions.
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Focus on integrated, multidisciplinary, and personalized care.
1024 S Lemay Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Memorial Hospital Central
Memorial Hospital Central, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, offers extensive pediatric care, including specialized treatments for cleft lip and palate. The hospital is dedicated to providing personalized care and state-of-the-art treatments to support each child's health and well-being. Memorial Hospital Central focuses on integrating medical, surgical, and rehabilitative services to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for its pediatric patients.
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Key Highlights:
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Extensive pediatric care with specialized treatments for cleft lip and palate.
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Personalized care and state-of-the-art treatments.
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Integration of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative services.
1400 E Boulder St, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
North Colorado Medical Center
North Colorado Medical Center, located in Greeley, Colorado, provides a range of pediatric services, including care for children with cleft lip and palate. The hospital focuses on multidisciplinary treatment and family support, ensuring that each child receives comprehensive and coordinated care. North Colorado Medical Center is committed to improving health outcomes through innovative treatments and compassionate care tailored to the needs of its pediatric patients and their families.
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Key Highlights:
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Range of pediatric services including care for cleft lip and palate.
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Focus on multidisciplinary treatment and family support.
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Commitment to innovative treatments and compassionate care.
1801 16th Street, Greeley, CO 80631
Lutheran Medical Center
Lutheran Medical Center, located in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, offers dedicated pediatric care, including treatments for cleft lip and palate. The hospital focuses on integrating all necessary medical, surgical, and rehabilitative services under one roof to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Lutheran Medical Center is committed to delivering high-quality, comprehensive care that addresses the unique needs of each child and supports their overall health and development.
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Key Highlights:
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Dedicated pediatric care including treatments for cleft lip and palate.
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Integration of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative services for optimal outcomes.
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Commitment to high-quality, comprehensive care for children.
8300 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Cleft Surgery
Experience and Expertise
When seeking treatment for a congenital condition like cleft lip or palate, experience and expertise of the surgeons and staff are paramount. Look for hospitals with dedicated craniofacial units and surgeons who specialize in cleft repair and have performed hundreds of successful procedures. More experience typically means better long-term results and a lower chance of complications.
Range of Services
The top hospitals will offer a comprehensive range of services for cleft patients, from initial diagnosis and treatment planning to follow-up care and revision surgeries if needed. They should have speech pathologists, dentists, orthodontists and psychologists on staff to properly assess and treat all aspects of cleft care. Some may even have designated cleft palate or craniofacial teams to coordinate care.
Latest Techniques and Technology
Hospitals on the cutting edge will utilize the latest techniques like nasoalveolar molding before surgery to improve outcomes. They should have state-of-the-art facilities and tools like 3D imaging, endoscopes and lasers. Minimally invasive procedures, when appropriate, can lead to quicker recovery and less scarring.
Family-Centered Care
The top hospitals recognize that cleft conditions affect the whole family. They should offer resources and support for parents like counseling services, educational materials and support groups. Family involvement in the treatment planning process is ideal. Look for hospitals with child life specialists, social workers and facilities geared toward children.
Choosing a hospital with experience, expertise, advanced techniques and a family-centered philosophy of care will help ensure the best outcome for your child’s cleft surgery. While cost and location may also be factors, quality of care should be the top priority. With the right team and facility, your child will have the best chance at a safe surgery, successful treatment and positive long-term outcome.
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General Cleft lip & Palate Surgery Information:
How much does Cleft lip and palate repair cost?
Cleft lip and palate repair can cost between $5,000 and $13,405 over 12 months. The cost depends on a number of factors, including the patient's insurance coverage, the surgeon's experience, and the type of procedure. Some procedures may be covered by full medical insurance. Source.
According to the CDC, about 1 in every 1,700 babies in the United States is born with cleft palate. Cleft lip and palate are among the most common birth defects in the country, affecting about one in every 700 babies. However, cleft palate is more common in Asian/Pacific, Latinx, or Native American children than in children of other races. Source.
How long does cleft lip and palate surgery take?
Cleft lip surgery usually takes between 1–6 hours, depending on the type of repair and the extent of the cleft. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, which means the patient is unconscious during the procedure. The surgeon may use an operating microscope to join the tissues that have not joined before birth. The stitches are then removed after a few days, or may dissolve on their own. Source.
After surgery, the patient will stay in the hospital for at least one night, and most babies can go home after 1–2 days. The surgeon may prescribe medicines to help make the patient more comfortable and protect against infection. The patient will need a liquid or blenderized diet for about 3 weeks after surgery before starting to eat foods that are hard or crunchy. Source.
How long does cleft lip and palate surgery take?
Cleft lip surgery usually takes between 1–6 hours, depending on the type of repair and the extent of the cleft. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, which means the patient is unconscious during the procedure. The surgeon may use an operating microscope to join the tissues that have not joined before birth. The stitches are then removed after a few days, or may dissolve on their own. Source.
Surgery Resource Information:
Preparing for your child's cleft lip and palate surgery involves several steps and considerations to ensure a safe and successful procedure. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, here's what you should prepare:
Pre-Surgical Considerations
Before the surgery, discuss with your surgeon any pre-surgical considerations, which may include diagnostic testing and medications required before the procedure.
Day-of-Surgery Instructions
Your plastic surgeon will provide specific instructions for the day of the surgery. This typically includes guidelines about fasting, medications, and arrival time at the hospital.
Anesthesia Information
You'll receive detailed information regarding the use of anesthesia during the surgery. Understanding this is crucial for managing expectations about the surgery and post-operative care.
Postoperative Care and Follow-up
Familiarize yourself with the postoperative care requirements and the schedule for follow-up visits. Proper postoperative care is vital for recovery and the best surgical outcome.
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Hospital Admission
Initial cleft lip and cleft palate repairs are usually performed in a hospital setting. Most commonly, this will require an overnight stay for your child, so plan accordingly. It's important to have thorough discussions with your child's surgeon to understand all aspects of the surgery, from preparation to recovery. Feel free to ask any questions you might have to ensure you're fully prepared for your child's procedure.
Hospital Admission
Initial cleft lip and cleft palate repairs are usually performed in a hospital setting. Most commonly, this will require an overnight stay for your child, so plan accordingly.
Post Surgery Information
After cleft palate surgery, you can expect your child to stay in the hospital for at least one or two days. You can expect the following:
Swelling and Bleeding
Swelling and small amounts of bleeding are normal. You can apply ice to the surgical side of the face on the first day after surgery, and early on the second day only. You can use a mustache dressing for nasal bleeding.
Clear Liquids
Your child can drink clear liquids from a cup only, and should not use utensils or straws.
Stitches
Your child will have stitches in their mouth for several weeks, but some dissolve sooner. You can use your tongue, but do not play with the stitches. Do not pull at the stitches, as they will come out on their own.
Snoring
Your child may snore and sound congested for several weeks. This will go away when the swelling goes down and there is less drainage.
Sleep
It may be harder for your child to sleep as well as before surgery, but sleep habits should return to normal after several weeks.
Diet
For the first two weeks after surgery, give only soft food. This allows time for the palate to heal. You can use a blender or food processor to smooth many table foods to an even, baby-food texture. You can add liquids such as chicken or beef broth, milk, gravy, or smooth sauces to meats and vegetables. You can also use fruit juice to blend with fruit. Avoid hard foods such as toast, biscuits or rusks during healing
To learn more about post cleft lip and cleft palate surgery information, please visit the following resource pages by:
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Nationwide Children's Hospital
Additional Resources: -
Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate Surgery: Repair Steps & Post-op Care
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