Cleft Palate Repair
Dr. Moulton-Barrett performs cleft lip and cleft palate repair surgeries for pediatric patients in Oakland and the San Francisco Bay Area.
What is a cleft palate?
A cleft palate, or palatoschisis, is the incomplete formation of the roof of the mouth. This is a birth defect that occurs very early on in the development of an unborn child. A cleft palate may appear on one or both sides of the roof of the mouth and may occur alone or in conjunction with a cleft lip.
A cleft palate may cause problems with nursing, feeding, or speech.
Understanding Cleft Palate Repair Surgery
A cleft palate repair is usually done when the child is between 9 and 12 months old, which gives the child’s palate a chance to grow but also helps prevent speech problems as the child develops and learns to talk. Some children may require more than one surgery to completely repair the palate.
During cleft palate repair surgery, incisions are made on either side of the cleft. The surgeon will then reposition the muscles and other hard and soft tissues of the palate in order to close the gap. The opening is generally closed with stitches along the midline of the roof of the mouth. Your child’s plastic surgeon will take special care during the cleft palate repair to consider the relation of the palate to the auditory canal and the future development of the teeth and jaw.
After surgery, you should expect your child to spend 5 to 7 nights in the hospital. You will be taught how to properly care for the surgical site and given instructions for your child’s diet, which will likely include only liquids until the wound heals completely. Full recovery generally takes about 4 weeks.
As with any surgery, there are potential risks associated with cleft palate repair, including
- Breathing problems associated with anesthesia
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Facial bones grow incorrectly in the future
- Abnormal connection between mouth and nose
Although these complications are rare, you should always talk with your child’s doctor about specific risks and what you can do before and after surgery to limit possible complications.
After Cleft Palate Repair
Some children may require more than one surgery to fully repair a cleft palate. Your child may also need additional procedures if the nose was affected by the cleft or to repair scarring caused by the repair surgery.
As your child grows, they may develop problems with speech, hearing and teeth and jaw alignment. Regular hearing screenings, speech therapists and regular trips to the dentist throughout the child’s life can help correct many of these problems.
In most cases, you can expect your child will enjoy normal development after cleft palate repair.
