Bilateral Tessier Craniofacial Cleft Associated to Cleft Palate

This case report presents the rare association of Tessier number 4 and 5 facial clefts with a palatal cleft in a 4-month-old infant, encountered during a humanitarian mission in Sabou, Burkina Faso. The patient, born with bilateral facial clefts and right anophthalmia, was planned for a 2-step surgical approach. The first surgery addressed the facial clefts, including a modified unilateral cleft lip repair and Z-plasty techniques for the left Tessier number 5 cleft. The second surgery, palatoplasty will be performed in the next mission. Follow-up assessments showed excellent outcomes, including improved facial aesthetics and ocular protection. The etiology of Tessier clefts remains uncertain, with multiple contributing factors such as genetic predisposition, craniofacial embryogenesis, and environmental influences. This case highlights the challenges of managing complex craniofacial deformities in resource-limited settings and underscores the importance of humanitarian missions in providing life-changing care to patients with limited access to specialized treatments.