Top Hospitals in South Carolina: 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.
MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital
MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, located in Charleston, South Carolina, is a premier pediatric healthcare facility and part of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health system. Opened in 2020, this state-of-the-art hospital is dedicated to providing comprehensive, family-centered care for children from infancy through young adulthood. It is known for its advanced medical treatments, cutting-edge research, and commitment to delivering compassionate and innovative care to the pediatric population.
10 McClennan Banks Drive, Charleston, SC 29425
Prisma Health Children's Hospital
Prisma Health Children’s Hospital, located in Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina, is a leading pediatric healthcare provider and part of the Prisma Health system. It serves as a major center for pediatric care in the region, offering a wide range of services from primary care to specialized treatments. The hospital is dedicated to providing comprehensive, family-centered care for infants, children, and adolescents. Known for its advanced medical treatments, compassionate care, and commitment to pediatric health, Prisma Health Children’s Hospital is focused on improving the health and well-being of children across South Carolina.
7 Richland Medical Park Dr, Columbia, SC 29203
Greenville Memorial Hospital
Greenville Memorial Hospital, located in Greenville, South Carolina, is the flagship hospital of the Prisma Health system. As the largest hospital in South Carolina, it serves as a major healthcare provider for the Upstate region. Greenville Memorial Hospital offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including specialized care in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, and women’s health. It is renowned for its advanced medical treatments, cutting-edge technology, and commitment to patient-centered care. The hospital is also a key center for medical education and research, affiliated with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville.
701 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC 29605
McLeod Regional Medical Center
McLeod Regional Medical Center, located in Florence, South Carolina, is a leading healthcare facility and the flagship hospital of the McLeod Health system. Established in 1906, it is known for providing comprehensive and advanced medical services to the Pee Dee region and beyond. McLeod Regional Medical Center offers a wide range of healthcare services, including specialized care in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women’s health. The hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care and is recognized for its commitment to medical excellence and innovation.
555 E Cheves St, Florence, SC 29506
Spartanburg Medical Center
Spartanburg Medical Center, located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is a prominent healthcare facility within the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. As one of the largest hospitals in the region, it serves as a crucial provider of comprehensive medical services for Upstate South Carolina. Spartanburg Medical Center offers a full range of healthcare services, including specialized care in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, and women’s health. Known for its advanced treatments, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to patient-centered care, the hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare and improving the health outcomes of its community.
101 E Wood St, Spartanburg, SC 29303
AnMed Health Medical Center
AnMed Health Medical Center, located in Anderson, South Carolina, is the flagship hospital of the AnMed Health system. Serving as a major healthcare provider for the Upstate region, AnMed Health Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of medical services and is known for its advanced treatments and patient-centered care. The hospital excels in numerous specialties including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, and women’s health. With a focus on delivering high-quality healthcare and improving community health, AnMed Health Medical Center combines modern medical technology with compassionate care.
800 N Fant St, Anderson, SC 29621
Roper St. Francis Healthcare
Roper St. Francis Healthcare, based in Charleston, South Carolina, is a leading healthcare provider known for its comprehensive medical services and commitment to patient-centered care. As one of the oldest healthcare systems in the state, Roper St. Francis Healthcare combines a rich history of medical excellence with modern, innovative treatments. The system includes a network of hospitals and outpatient facilities offering a wide range of services, including specialized care in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, and women's health. Roper St. Francis Healthcare is dedicated to improving the health and quality of life for the communities it serves across the Lowcountry.
316 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401
Palmetto Health Richland
Prisma Health Richland Hospital, located in Columbia, South Carolina, is a major healthcare facility and part of the Prisma Health system. Formerly known as Palmetto Health Richland, it serves as a key provider of comprehensive medical services in the Midlands region. The hospital is renowned for its advanced treatments and high-quality care, offering a wide range of services including specialized care in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, and women’s health. Prisma Health Richland Hospital is also a Level I Trauma Center and a major center for medical education and research, affiliated with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine.
5 Richland Medical Park Dr, Columbia, SC 29203
Hilton Head Hospital
Hilton Head Hospital, located in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is a premier healthcare facility and part of the Tenet Healthcare system. Serving the Lowcountry region, the hospital provides a comprehensive range of medical services with a focus on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Hilton Head Hospital excels in various specialties, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and emergency services. Known for its advanced medical treatments and state-of-the-art facilities, the hospital is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of its community.
25 Hospital Center Blvd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Coastal Carolina Hospital
Coastal Carolina Hospital, located in Hardeeville, South Carolina, is a key healthcare facility serving the Lowcountry region. Part of the Hilton Head Regional Healthcare system under Tenet Healthcare, Coastal Carolina Hospital offers a wide range of medical services with a focus on providing high-quality, compassionate care to its community. The hospital excels in several specialties, including cardiology, orthopedics, general surgery, and emergency services. Coastal Carolina Hospital is dedicated to ensuring comprehensive and accessible healthcare, combining modern medical technology with personalized care to meet the needs of its patients.
1000 Medical Center Dr, Hardeeville, SC 29927
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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