Advances in Repairing a Cleft Palate
In the past, a cleft lip, palate, or combination thereof meant a lifetime of health problems. Children born with one of these congenital deformities often had difficulties with eating, poor weight gain, speech impediments, and ear and nose infections. Advances in today's medicine have helped to alleviate many, if not all, of the complications from a cleft palate. Children with a cleft lip, palate, or both are now benefiting from surgery that fuses together the muscle and tissue to allow for a normal lifestyle.
Through medical advances, children born with a cleft palate are now often referred to a team or group of specialists at birth. These specialists start with reconstructive surgeons who have extensive training in repairing a cleft lip, palate, or combination of both. To further aid in the health and development of a child born with a cleft palate, the team may also involve speech therapists, an ear, nose and throat specialist, a dentist, and an orthodontist.
Preparing for Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery
Modern technology and the vast improvement in cleft palate surgery have allowed most children born with the deformity to live normal happy lives. However, as with all surgeries, there are some risks. Preparing for surgery on a cleft lip, palate or both can improve the chances of a successful repair. Here are a few things to consider before you child undergoes cleft palate surgery:
- Discuss proper timing for cleft palate surgery. Though children with a cleft lip, palate, or combination thereof may have difficulties with feeding at birth, it is best to wait until the child is nine to eighteen months old. The higher birth weight will make surgery for a cleft palate less risky and easier to perform.
- Find out about the type of anesthesia and the risks to your child. Heavier anesthesia may be needed for a cleft palate as opposed to a cleft lip. Palates may also require more post-operative pain medication.
- Prepare for feeding your child after surgery for a cleft lip, palate or both. Children with cleft palates often have difficulty eating post surgery and may require an IV.
- Prevent irritation of the repaired cleft lip, palate or both. Be aware of the elbow restraints that may need to be utilized in order to keep your child from aggravating the repaired cleft. Palates often require a longer recovery time.