Surgery at Schneider to fix girls’ cleft palate

Branyelli Silvestre, a 2-year-old from the Dominican Republic who had a severe cleft palate, will eventually return to her native country ready to lead a more normal life following surgery at Schneider Children’s Hospital in New Hyde Park.
Dr. Mark Shikowitz, an otolarynologist at the hospital, was in the Dominican Republic for a medical mission in September of 2007 following an invitation by the New York Dominican Officers Organization. Shortly after getting off the plane, he was handed Silvestre and asked to examine her.
“She was smiling and she was friendly but I knew she had a big problem,” Shikowitz said. He continued, “In order to make this work I really knew then even before I left the airport that this was going to be a child that had to be brought back to a full cleft palate team in order to make this work properly.”
Shikowitz later did a more complete exam at the clinic. Along with having a severely cleft palate, Silvestre had other medical problems, such as hearing loss. Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Rachel Ruotolo said that aside from the deformity there were functional issues effecting her teeth and speech.
Shikowitz said that he immediately could tell that the little girl would have to be brought to the United States for the surgery.
In order to get through the red tape and bring Silvestre and mother Carmen into the United States, assistance was given by Roberto and Teresa Rodriguez of the Bronx. Silvestre and her mother have been staying with the couple while in the country.
After having put in a palate expander, the initial surgery took place on February 26. During it, ear tubes were put in her ears and there was a cleft palate repair and bilateral lip adhesion.
Roberto Rodriguez said that Silvestre has experienced several changes for the better since having the surgery. Previously she had problems eating but is now doing so more comfortably and has also stopped drooling. Shikowitz also said that the little girl can hear now and that her speech pattern has started to improve.
During a recent press conference mom Carmen, speaking in Spanish, thanked all of the doctors who helped her daughter and the Rodriguez family. She also said that she was very pleased with all of the work that has been done so far.
In about six months, Silvestre will go through another surgery.