Top Hospitals in Utah: 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.
Primary Children's Hospital (Intermountain Healthcare)
Primary Children’s Hospital, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a premier pediatric hospital and a key facility within the Intermountain Healthcare system. It is dedicated to providing comprehensive, family-centered care for children from infancy through young adulthood. As one of the leading children's hospitals in the United States, Primary Children’s Hospital offers a wide range of pediatric services and specialties, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, and neonatology. The hospital is renowned for its advanced medical treatments, cutting-edge research, and commitment to the health and well-being of children across the Intermountain West.
100 Mario Capecchi Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84113
University of Utah Health Care
University of Utah Health, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a leading academic medical center and the healthcare system associated with the University of Utah. Known for its comprehensive range of healthcare services, University of Utah Health combines patient care, research, and education to deliver exceptional medical services across numerous specialties. The system includes several hospitals and outpatient clinics, offering advanced treatments in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, and women's health, among others. It is recognized for its cutting-edge research, innovative medical practices, and commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves.
50 N Medical Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
Shriners Hospitals for Children — Salt Lake City
Shriners Hospitals for Children — Salt Lake City, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a leading pediatric specialty hospital focused on providing comprehensive orthopedic care to children. Part of the Shriners Hospitals for Children network, this facility offers advanced treatments for a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including scoliosis, limb deficiencies, and sports injuries. The hospital is renowned for its compassionate, family-centered approach and commitment to providing high-quality medical care regardless of the family's ability to pay. With a team of experienced specialists and state-of-the-art facilities, Shriners Hospitals for Children — Salt Lake City is dedicated to improving the health and quality of life for children across the Intermountain West.
1275 E Fairfax Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Intermountain Riverton Hospital
Intermountain Riverton Hospital, located in Riverton, Utah, is a key healthcare facility within the Intermountain Healthcare system. Serving the southwest Salt Lake Valley and surrounding areas, the hospital provides a comprehensive range of medical services with a focus on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Intermountain Riverton Hospital excels in various specialties, including emergency care, maternity services, surgery, orthopedics, and pediatrics. Known for its advanced medical technology and a commitment to community health, the hospital is dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of its growing community.
3741 W 12600 S, Riverton, UT 84065
Ogden Regional Medical Center
Ogden Regional Medical Center, located in Ogden, Utah, is a prominent healthcare facility and part of the MountainStar Healthcare network. As a full-service hospital, it provides a comprehensive range of medical services to the residents of Northern Utah. The hospital is known for its advanced treatments and patient-centered approach, excelling in specialties such as cardiology, orthopedics, neurology, and emergency services. With state-of-the-art technology and a commitment to high-quality care, Ogden Regional Medical Center is dedicated to improving health outcomes and meeting the diverse needs of its community.
5475 S 500 E, Ogden, UT 84405
Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital
Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital, located in Ogden, Utah, is a leading healthcare facility within the Intermountain Healthcare system. As a major regional hospital, it provides a comprehensive range of medical services to the communities of Northern Utah. McKay-Dee Hospital is renowned for its advanced medical treatments and patient-centered care, offering specialized services in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, and women’s health. With state-of-the-art facilities and a strong commitment to medical excellence and innovation, the hospital is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of its patients and the broader community.
4401 Harrison Blvd, Ogden, UT 84403
St. Mark's Hospital
St. Mark’s Hospital, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a prominent healthcare facility and part of the MountainStar Healthcare network. Established in 1872, it is one of Utah’s oldest hospitals and is renowned for its comprehensive range of medical services and commitment to patient care. St. Mark’s Hospital excels in numerous specialties, including cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, and emergency services. With state-of-the-art technology and a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, the hospital focuses on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to meet the diverse healthcare needs of the Salt Lake City community and surrounding areas.
1200 E 3900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84124
Utah Valley Hospital
Utah Valley Hospital, located in Provo, Utah, is a leading healthcare facility within the Intermountain Healthcare system. Serving as a major regional hospital, it provides a comprehensive range of medical services to the residents of Utah County and surrounding areas. Utah Valley Hospital is known for its advanced medical treatments and patient-centered care, excelling in specialties such as cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, and women’s health. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to medical excellence, the hospital is dedicated to improving health outcomes and enhancing the well-being of its community.
1034 N 500 W, Provo, UT 84604
Dixie Regional Medical Center
Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital, formerly known as Dixie Regional Medical Center, is located in St. George, Utah. As a key facility within the Intermountain Healthcare system, it serves as a major healthcare provider for Southern Utah and surrounding regions. The hospital offers a comprehensive range of medical services and is known for its advanced treatments and patient-focused care. It excels in specialties such as cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, and women’s health. With modern facilities and a strong commitment to community health, St. George Regional Hospital is dedicated to improving health outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for its patients.
1380 E Medical Center Dr, St. George, UT 84790
Castleview Hospital
Castleview Hospital, located in Price, Utah, is a key healthcare facility serving the communities of Carbon and Emery Counties and the surrounding region. As part of the LifePoint Health network, Castleview Hospital provides a comprehensive range of medical services with a focus on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. The hospital excels in various specialties, including emergency services, cardiology, orthopedics, general surgery, and women’s health. Known for its commitment to community health and modern medical facilities, Castleview Hospital is dedicated to meeting the diverse healthcare needs of its patients.
300 N Hospital Dr, Price, UT 84501
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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