Bilateral alveolar process fissure causes important functional and aesthetical limitations and thus difficulties in terms of social and family integration and interaction for these patients. AIM: (A) to assess motivations and expectations Treatment-wise and (B) to assess social inclusion and integration brought about by the surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: retrospective observational study involving 50 participants recruited among the patients submitted to the pre-maxilla repositioning procedure from January of 2003 to July of 2005 at the Centro de Atendimento Integral ao Fissurado Lábio-Palatal in Curitiba (CAIF), Paraná, and an assessment questionnaire was used. RESULTS: as far as the care protocol is concerned, results show a 90% success rate of surgeries. As to surgical and personal satisfaction rates are concerned, 76% sought treatment for personal satisfaction reasons and 86% reported having had more self-confidence after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patients submitted to the maxilla repositioning saw surgery as a continuation of the care previously given, with the expectation of better looks and self-confidence and, 96% of them were pleased with the results attained, which facilitated their social inclusion and re-integration.
cleft lip; cleft palate; bone transplantation
