Top Hospitals in Iowa: 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.
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, located in Iowa City, Iowa, is a leading healthcare facility nationally ranked in both adult and pediatric specialties. It features a comprehensive cleft palate and craniofacial program that provides all-inclusive care through a multidisciplinary team. This team includes experts in otolaryngology, audiology, speech pathology, pediatric dentistry, and genetics, ensuring that patients receive holistic and coordinated treatment plans. The hospital is committed to delivering advanced medical care and supporting the long-term developmental needs of children and adults alike.
200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242
Key Highlights:
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Nationally ranked in both adult and pediatric specialties.
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Comprehensive cleft palate and craniofacial program.
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Multidisciplinary team including otolaryngology, audiology, speech pathology, pediatric dentistry, and genetics.
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is a high-performing hospital known for excellence in 15 procedures and conditions. It provides exceptional pediatric care, including comprehensive treatment plans for cleft lip and palate. The hospital facilitates services from initial evaluation to surgical intervention and ongoing therapy, ensuring continuous and supportive care for children and their families. MercyOne is dedicated to improving health outcomes through integrated and patient-centered healthcare.
Des Moines, IA 50314-2611
Key Highlights:
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High performance in 15 procedures and conditions.
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Comprehensive treatment plans for cleft lip and palate.
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Services from initial evaluation to surgical intervention and ongoing therapy.
UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Medical Center
UnityPoint Health – Iowa Methodist Medical Center, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is known for high performance in 10 procedures and conditions. The hospital offers a robust pediatric program with comprehensive services for cleft lip and palate. These services integrate surgical repair with supportive speech and dental care, focusing on long-term developmental outcomes. UnityPoint Health is committed to providing high-quality, multidisciplinary care tailored to the needs of each child and their family.
Des Moines, IA 50309-1406
Key Highlights:
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High performance in 15 procedures and conditions.
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Comprehensive treatment plans for cleft lip and palate.
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Services from initial evaluation to surgical intervention and ongoing therapy.
UnityPoint Health-St. Luke's Hospital
UnityPoint Health – St. Luke's Hospital, located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is recognized for high performance in 7 procedures and conditions. The hospital provides targeted pediatric treatments, including comprehensive care for cleft lip and palate. With a dedicated team of specialists, St. Luke’s ensures that children receive integrated and coordinated care aimed at achieving the best possible health and developmental outcomes.
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-3026
Key Highlights:
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High performance in 7 procedures and conditions.
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Targeted pediatric treatments, including cleft lip and palate.
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Dedicated team of specialists for comprehensive and integrated care.
University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital
University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, located in Iowa City, Iowa, is part of the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, specializing in comprehensive pediatric care. The hospital offers specialized treatments for cleft palate through a collaborative approach involving plastic surgery, ENT, audiology, and other disciplines. Known for its dedication to pediatric health and advanced medical treatments, Stead Family Children’s Hospital is committed to improving the lives of children through integrated and family-centered care.
200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242
Key Highlights:
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Part of the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.
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Specializes in pediatric care, including cleft palate treatments.
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Collaborative approach involving multiple specialties for comprehensive care.
Mercy Iowa City
Mercy Iowa City, located in Iowa City, Iowa, provides a range of pediatric services, including specialized care for children with cleft lip and palate. The hospital employs a multidisciplinary team approach to ensure the best outcomes, integrating various specialties to address the unique needs of each child. Mercy Iowa City is dedicated to delivering high-quality, compassionate care that supports both the physical and emotional well-being of its pediatric patients.
500 E Market St, Iowa City, IA 52245
Key Highlights:
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Range of pediatric services, including cleft lip and palate care.
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Multidisciplinary team approach for comprehensive care.
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Focus on high-quality, compassionate care for children.
Great River Medical Center
Great River Medical Center, located in West Burlington, Iowa, offers extensive pediatric care, including specialized treatments for cleft lip and palate. The hospital focuses on integrated treatment plans that combine surgery, speech therapy, and nutritional support. Great River Medical Center is committed to providing comprehensive and coordinated care to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and their families.
1221 S Gear Ave, West Burlington, IA 52655
Key Highlights:
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Extensive pediatric care, including cleft lip and palate treatments.
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Integrated treatment plans combining surgery, speech therapy, and nutritional support.
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Commitment to comprehensive and coordinated care.
Genesis Medical Center
Genesis Medical Center provides comprehensive pediatric services that include specialized care for children with cleft lip and palate. The hospital's approach to care is multidisciplinary, involving experts from plastic surgery, pediatric dentistry, speech therapy, and audiology to ensure that each child receives holistic care tailored to their specific needs. This integrated strategy aims to achieve the best functional and aesthetic outcomes through cutting-edge treatments and supportive therapies.
1227 E Rusholme St, Davenport, IA 52803
Key Highlights:
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Comprehensive pediatric services with specialized care for cleft lip and palate.
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Multidisciplinary approach involving multiple specialties.
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Focus on holistic care and cutting-edge treatments for optimal outcomes.
Fort Madison Community Hospital
Fort Madison Community Hospital, located in Fort Madison, Iowa, offers specialized pediatric care, including treatments for cleft lip and palate. The hospital focuses on comprehensive treatment from a team of experts dedicated to improving health and functional outcomes. Fort Madison Community Hospital is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that addresses the unique needs of each child and supports their overall development.
5445 Ave O, Fort Madison, IA 52627
Key Highlights:
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Specialized pediatric care, including cleft lip and palate treatments.
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Comprehensive treatment from a team of dedicated experts.
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Focus on high-quality, patient-centered care for children.
Broadlawns Medical Center
Broadlawns Medical Center offers extensive pediatric services, with specialized programs for treating cleft lip and palate, ensuring personalized care plans that address all aspects of the condition from surgery to rehabilitation.
1801 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA 50314
Key Highlights:
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Extensive pediatric services with specialized programs for cleft lip and palate.
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Personalized care plans addressing surgery to rehabilitation.
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Commitment to comprehensive, high-quality care for children.
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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