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Insights in Primary and Secondary Cleft Lip and
Nose repair: A Hands-On Dissection Course

12-13 November 2025

Welcome to the 6th International Dutch Cleft Course: Advancing Expertise in Cleft Lip & Nose Repair

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We are delighted to invite you to the sixth edition of the International Dutch Cleft Course—an engaging and interactive program dedicated to advancing surgical expertise in cleft lip and nasal reconstruction. This year marks a special milestone, as it is the first collaboration between the renowned Esser Course in Rotterdam and the Utrecht Cleft Course, uniting two centers of excellence in cleft care and surgical training.

Held in the heart of the Netherlands, this unique two-day hands-on dissection course brings together surgeons, trainees, and specialists from around the world to explore the latest techniques and insights in both primary and secondary cleft repair. Through expert-led lectures, detailed surgical demonstrations, and immersive cadaver dissections, participants will gain a deeper understanding of complex anatomy and refine their operative skills in a collaborative and high-level educational setting.

Whether you are seeking to enhance your skills in primary cleft lip repair or master the challenges of secondary lip and nasal reconstruction, this course provides an invaluable opportunity to learn, share, and grow within a community committed to excellence in cleft care. We look forward to welcoming you in Utrecht this November for another inspiring and educational experience!

Emma Paes (University Medical Centre Utrecht) and Martijn Cornelissen (Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam)

Meet our speakers

Dr. David Chong (MBBS FRACS)

Associate professor, plastic and maxillofacial surgeon
Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.

Meet our speakers

Dr. Sophie Butterworth

Plastic, reconstructive and cleft surgeon
Newcastle Cleft Lip and Palate Service, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals, Royal Victoria Infirmary, United Kingdom.

Meet our speakers

Dr. Dirk Jan Menger

Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, Ear nose throat surgeon
Department of Facial Plastic Surgery, UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands and Bergman Clinics.

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Dr. David Mosmuller

Co-Owner, Medical Director and cosmetic doctor KNMG
Doctors at Soap

Meet our speakers

Prof. Dr. Ronald Bleys

Head of the department of Anatomy, professor Clinical Anatomy
University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands.

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Dr. Bart van Nimmen

Plastic, reconstructive and cleft surgeon
Cleft Team Central, location Tilburg, the Netherlands.

Meet our speakers

Dr. Frank Datema

Ear nose throat surgeon
Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Meet our speakers

Dr. Floris van Zijl

Ear nose throat surgeon
Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Precision in Practice: Learning Advanced Cleft Surgery Techniques from the Experts

Following the success of our previous course on velopharyngeal insufficiency, we now shift focus to the complex topic of primary and secondary cleft lip and nose repair. This two-day, hands-on training combines cadaver dissections, expert lectures, and in-depth discussions to advance both knowledge and technical skill.

Day 1 is dedicated to primary cleft lip repair, covering essential background on embryology and anatomy and detailed instructions in surgical approaches. The day features David Chong, a globally recognized expert in cleft lip and palate surgery. With extensive experience in both primary and secondary cleft procedures, David has developed and refined techniques that significantly improve both functional and aesthetic outcomes.

The afternoon turns to secondary cleft lip procedures. Topics include the use of fillers, dermis fat grafts, and the Abbe switch flap, with practical sessions in the dissection lab under the expert guidance of our faculty, including Sophie Butterworth, a renowned plastic surgeon at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle and co-lead of the acclaimed Newcastle Cadaveric Speech & Cleft Rhinoplasty Course. The day wraps up with a congress dinner in central Utrecht—a great chance to unwind, connect with colleagues, and continue the conversation in a relaxed atmosphere.

Day 2 focuses on secondary cleft nose correction, with leading surgeons such as Dirk Jan Menger and Frank Datema, known for their expertise in advanced rhinoplasty and cleft nasal reconstruction.

They will present their personal techniques and surgical philosophies, followed by hands-on practice sessions where participants will work with cartilage struts, rib grafts, and other methods of nasal framework reconstruction.

In the afternoon, participants may join Special Interest Groups (SIGs) held during the Annual Meeting of the Dutch Society for Clefts and Craniofacial Anomalies, taking place on November 13–14. The SIGs offer deep dives into specific aspects of cleft care and foster interaction with Dutch colleagues. An optional anniversary dinner will be held in celebration of the Society’s 40th anniversary, offering a relaxed and festive close to the event.

Book your tickets now

6th International Cleft Course Utrecht

Ticket 1

Early Bird Ticket

until 31 July 2025

The registration fee includes all course materials, hands-on training sessions, coffee breaks, lunches, and beverages throughout the program. It also includes access to the course dinner on Thursday, 12 November.

Please note: Participation in the SIGs and the anniversary dinner on Friday, 14 November, is optional and not included in the ticket price.

  • € 1350,-
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Ticket 2

Standard Fee Ticket

from 1 August 2025

The registration fee includes all course materials, hands-on training sessions, coffee breaks, lunches, and beverages throughout the program. It also includes access to the course dinner on Thursday, 12 November.

Please note: Participation in the SIGs and the anniversary dinner on Friday, 14 November, is optional and not included in the ticket price.

  • € 1500,-
  • BOOK NOW

Program

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Cleft Team Central

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  • BOOK YOUR TICKETS

Program
Faculty
Speakers
Cleft Team Central

About UMC Utrecht
Previous editions
Information
Contact

Program
Faculty
Speakers
Cleft Team Central
About UMC Utrecht
Previous editions
Information
Contact

About

Nard Janssen

Plastic and reconstructive surgery

Nard Janssen is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon specializing in the treatment of cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial conditions. Nard Janssen holds degrees in both dentistry and medicine, which provides him with a comprehensive foundation for the surgical treatment of craniofacial conditions. He earned his PhD from University Utrecht in 2018 about new treatment aspects in alveolar cleft repair. He is known for his expertise in orthognathic surgery and jaw reconstruction, with a strong focus on achieving both functional and aesthetic results for his patients.

Meet the Faculty of the Cleft Course

About

Martijn Cornelissen

Plastic, Reconstructive, and Cleft Surgeon. Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand surgery, EMC Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Martijn Cornelissen is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with a special focus on pediatric craniofacial surgery, particularly cleft lip and palate care. He is currently practicing at Erasmus MC in Rotterdam, where he is part of the multidisciplinary craniofacial team. Martijn Cornelissen earned his PhD at Erasmus University Rotterdam, where his academic work has contributed to advancements in cleft and craniofacial treatment. With a strong combination of surgical expertise and scientific insight, he is committed to improving both the functional and aesthetic outcomes for children with (cranio)facial anomalies. Together with Emma Paes, he co-leads this 6th International Dutch Cleft Course.

Meet the Faculty of the Cleft Course

About

Sarah Versnel

Plastic, Reconstructive, and Cleft Surgeon. Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand surgery, EMC Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Sarah Versnel is a plastic surgeon at Erasmus MC in Rotterdam, specializing in craniofacial surgery with a particular focus on congenital anomalies such as cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, and rare facial clefts. Sarah Versnel actively participates in the European Reference Network (ERN) CRANIO, collaborating with international experts to establish consensus on best practices and to develop comprehensive registries for cleft lip and palate care. Her commitment to advancing craniofacial care is underscored by her extensive research endeavors. She earned her PhD from Erasmus University Rotterdam with a thesis titled “Let’s Face It: Causes, treatment and consequences of rare facial clefts,” which delved into the complexities of rare craniofacial anomalies and their long-term treatment outcomes.

Meet the Faculty of the Cleft Course

About

Mieke Pleumeekers

Plastic, Reconstructive, and Cleft Surgeon. Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand surgery, EMC Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Mieke Marianne Pleumeekers is a plastic surgeon specializing in craniofacial surgery, with a particular focus on treating children with cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial anomalies. She is affiliated with Erasmus MC in Rotterdam, where she contributes to the multidisciplinary cleft and craniofacial teams. Mieke Pleumeekers is recognized as a clinical expert at the Erasmus Medical Center of Expertise for Craniofacial Anomalies, a member of the European Reference Network (ERN) CRANIO. In addition to her clinical work, she has contributed to research in the field of tissue engineering and cartilage regeneration, aiming to enhance reconstructive outcomes for patients with craniofacial conditions.

Meet the Faculty of the Cleft Course

About

Peter Don Griot

Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand surgery, UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Peter Don Griot is a plastic surgeon with special interest to the care of children with cleft and craniofacial conditions. He currently works at the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital (WKZ) in Utrecht, where he focuses his expertise on reconstructive surgery for children born with cleft lip and/or palate. In addition to his clinical work, Peter Don Griot is actively involved in academic research. He has contributed to several studies focused on improving outcomes in cleft care, including research on Pierre Robin sequence

Meet the Faculty of the Cleft Course

About

Nirvana Kornmann

Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand surgery, UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Nirvana Kornmann is a plastic surgery resident specializing in pediatric reconstructive surgery, with a particular focus on cleft care.She is currently affiliated with UMC Utrecht and next to her residency, she is pursuing her doctoral research in cleft care. She has contributed to studies evaluating the Cleft Aesthetic Rating Scale (CARS), aiming to enhance the assessment of postoperative results in unilateral cleft lip and palate repairs. Last year, Nirvana Kornmann participated in a surgical mission in Peru, as part of a team led by prof. Aebele Mink van der Molen.During this mission, the team conducted cleft surgeries and provided training to local medical professionals.

Meet the Faculty of the Cleft Course

About

Lieke Hofman

Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand surgery, UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Lieke Hofman is a PhD candidate at the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital (WKZ) in Utrecht, with a focus on cleft care. With a background in medicine and a strong interest in pediatric plastic surgery, her research aims to improve surgical outcomes and overall quality of life for children born with cleft lip and palate. Lieke’s doctoral work is centered around optimizing cleft palate surgery techniques and understanding long-term speech outcomes. She collaborates closely with cleft surgeons, speech therapists, and researchers within the ERN CRANIO network, contributing to international efforts to develop standardized care pathways across Europe.

Meet the Faculty of the Cleft Course

About

Esther van Oers-Hazelzet

Nurse practitioner / Nurse Cleft team. Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand surgery, UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Drs. E.E.B. (Esther) van Oers-Hazelzet (1975) has been working at the University Medical Center Utrecht since 1998. She graduated in 2008 from the Health Sciences program at Utrecht University. In 2014 she completed the Master of Advanced Nursing Practice and recently she graduated from the Master Quality and Patient Safety at the Radboud University at Nijmegen.

She is an experienced nurse practitioner with a history in infectious diseases (HIV/Hepatitis) and oncology (breast cancer). In 2019 she switched to the Plastic surgery team at the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital UMC Utrecht. Since then she became a member of the Utrecht Cleft Team, with special interest in the topics: Quality and Safety, Value Based Healthcare and Shared Decision making.

Meet the Faculty of the Cleft Course

About

Aebele Mink van der Molen

Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand surgery, UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Aebele Mink van der Molen was trained in Zwolle (the Netherlands) as a plastic surgeon with a broad interest. He initially sub-specialized in hand and microsurgery with fellowships in the UK and USA. Later, he switched to pediatric plastic surgery with an emphasis on cleft care and congenital limb anomalies. He supervises multiple Ph.D. students and has a special interest and expertise in infants with the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. He is currently the head of the cleft team in Utrecht and active within ERN Cranio. Together with the cleft team he organized a successful ECPCA meeting in Utrecht in 2019 and is looking forward to hosting the upcoming International Cleft Course Utrecht.

Meet the Faculty of the Cleft Course

About

Marjan Rebergen-Smit & Ans Massop

Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand surgery, UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Marjan (1966) has been working at the University Medical Centre Utrecht since 2009. As a member of the staff secretary, she has been involved in organizing many congresses and events. She facilitated the International Cleft Course Utrecht since its beginning in 2008.
Ans (1964) works as a secretary in our team since 2019. Formerly she worked in various (non)profit organizations but is now dedicated to facilitating the staff of the pediatric surgery team of the Wilhelmina Children’s hospital. She has been helping with the organization of the congress since the previous edition in 2023. Without both their organizing ability and input this course could not be what it currently is!

Meet the Faculty of the Cleft Course

About

Ronald Bleys

Ronald L.A.W. Bleys (1959) graduated as MD in 1986 at Utrecht University. He has been working as an anatomist at the medical faculty of Utrecht University (now: University Medical Center Utrecht) since 1987. In 1995 he received his PhD degree on the thesis “Innervation of the basal cerebral arteries: pathways and densities”. Part of this research had been performed at the department of anatomy of the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine in London, UK. In 1999 he became registered as a medical morphological investigator by the Foundation for Biomedical Scientific Research Training (SMBWO). He became head of the department of Anatomy in 2000 and full professor of Clinical Anatomy in 2012.

His recent research work has focused on the interactions between the vascular system and the autonomic nervous system. More specifically, he is investigating the role of the autonomic nervous system in the regulation of inflammatory responses. Furthermore, in collaboration with clinicians of especially surgical disciplines, he has been participating in clinical anatomical research projects, with a special focus on esophageal cancer surgery.

He is an all-around anatomist with enormous teaching experience, including training medical residents and specialists. His department has become a centre of excellence for postgraduate anatomical training in the Netherlands and hosts well-known international courses. His own specialty is the head and neck region. He is also involved in teaching innovations, one of them being the development and implementation of virtual 3D anatomical models.

Meet the Faculty of the Cleft Course

About

Emma Paes

Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand surgery, UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Emma C. Paes began her medical studies at the University of Utrecht in 2002. Her interest in plastic surgery grew during her time in the anatomy department, where she conducted her first scientific work, performing cadaver dissections to explore the anatomical features of the internal mammary artery perforator flap. While awaiting the start of her plastic surgery training in 2012, Emma worked as a junior lecturer in head and neck anatomy under the guidance of Professor Ronald Bleys.

In 2015, Emma defended her Ph.D. thesis, titled “Progress Toward Understanding Infants with Robin Sequence.” Since 2017, she has been practicing as a pediatric reconstructive plastic surgeon at both the University Medical Centre and the Princess Máxima Center in Utrecht. Her clinical focus includes post-oncologic pediatric reconstructions, microtia and facial nerve reconstructions, and the treatment of pediatric vascular anomalies.

In 2021, she joined the Cleft Team at the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital and currently supervises multiple research projects in cleft care.

Meet the Faculty of the Cleft Course