Manasi, India
I was conducting interviews of cleft lip & palate patients, when I saw Manasi looking at me curiously. Manasi is a 3 year old, chubby, cute girl, operated for cleft palate. I asked her "What is your name?". She cutely replied "Manasi" trying to tuck herself into her mother's lap. I heard good articulation without any nasality and noticed a healthy gain in weight since her previous surgery.
On further enquiry, I came to know that Manasi was born as the first baby to her parents. Her diagnosis of cleft palate was missed by hospital staff. As a child, Manasi was not able to accept breast milk and had to be spoon fed. The above fact and the occasional bouts of milk regurgitation from her nose never arose any suspicion in the minds of her parents. All this was taken as normal and she was treated as any other child. It was because of her speech and nasality that her parents were referred to a pediatrician. She was diagnosed with a cleft palate and referred to B.K.L.W. Hospital and underwent her first cleft palate surgery in September 2003.
I could see joy gleaming on the face of her mother.
"So what changes do you find in Manasi after the first surgery?"
"Oh. She is speaking much better and clearer. Her weight has improved and she no longer has repeated episodes of cough and ear infection. We never knew something like this occurs and it requires a series of operations. At Walawalker Hospital, Dr. Thatte's team has done a wonderful job and we are very pleased with the results."
I could see a sense of pride & joy on Manasi's face also hearing her parents' discussion about her. You could tell Manasi was also happy to be active, healthy and speaking clearly.
Submitted by Dr. Sandeep Bhasin
Consultant Surgeon
Dervan, India
