Perioperative care for internationally adopted children: Medical, surgical, and psychosocial considerations for a population of concern

Abstract

The overall number of international adoptions has dropped in the last 20 years, but a relative increase in the proportion of these children with special and surgical needs has occurred. Cleft lip/palate and anorectal malformations are two common surgical pathologies for internationally adopted children. Internationally adopted children with cleft lip/palate have high rates of speech impairment and frequent need for reoperation, and children with anorectal malformation commonly need multiple reoperations. For both groups, surgery prior to adoption may have actually contributed to morbidity. Both speech impairment and anorectal malformation negatively affect quality of life, independent of adoption. Additionally, internationally adopted children frequently have experienced trauma, single or complex, and institutionalization. Each of these can independently contribute to impaired psychosocial and behavioral development. These children face surgery, sometimes multiple surgeries, while adapting to a new culture, learning a new language, and bonding with a new family. The impact of prior medical experiences without the presence of a caregiver and/or while institutionalized is understudied. The surgical experience and perioperative outcomes within this population warrant research, and clinical coordination between teams may help improve care for this uniquely vulnerable population.

Quality of Life of Adopted Chinese Versus Nonadopted Dutch Children with Cleft Lip and/or Palate: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis

“…Internationally adopted children often have complex medical needs, and may have an additional history of trauma, neglect and institutionalization (Knipper et al, 2020). Neglect and institutionalization have been shown to be associated with lasting neurobiological impairments, with a strong correlation to many behavioral, emotional and cognitive problems (Julian, 2013).…”