How long does cleft lip and palate surgery take?
Palate repair surgery is usually done when your baby is 6 to 12 months old. The gap in the roof of the mouth is closed and the muscles and the lining of the palate are rearranged. The wound is closed with dissolvable stitches. The operation usually takes about 2 hours and is done using a general anaesthetic.
What is Rule of 10 in timing of surgical repair of orofacial cleft?
Although not absolute, a general and easy rule for timing of cleft lip repair is a rule of 10s: at least 10 pounds and at least 10 weeks of age. The choice of procedure is up to the plastic surgeon and related to the clinical presentation.
What is the rule of 10’s in treating cleft deformity?
Most repairs are done at about 12 weeks of age. This allows the appearance of any birth-related illness to be noted and treated, the child to gain weight and establish a reasonable hematocrit. This is frequently referred to as the “Rule of 10s” (10 weeks old, weight of 10 pounds and 10 grams of hemoglobin).
Which is the best time of surgical repair of cleft palate?
How should I take care of my child after surgery? There is no special wound care required following a cleft palate surgery procedure. If you look at the roof of your child’s mouth during the first 2 weeks after surgery you may see white areas on the inside borders of the teeth.
Is cleft lip surgery safe?
Most cleft lip repairs are successful, but complications may become serious and life threatening in some cases. Complications can develop during surgery or recovery. The general risks of surgery include: Anesthesia reaction, such as an allergic reaction and problems with breathing.
What is the best age for cleft lip surgery?
Although there are some differing schools of thought on the matter, most plastic surgeons believe that the ideal patient age for undergoing cleft palate repair surgery is between 6 to 18 months of age (though the favored age for cleft lip repair is generally much earlier, at about 10 to 12 weeks old).
When is cleft palate repaired?
Cleft lip repairs are typically performed between 2 and 6 months of age depending on your child’s health status and local cleft team protocols. Cleft palate repairs are generally performed after cleft lip repair in a separate surgery when the child is between 9 to 18 months of age depending on health status and local cleft team protocols.
What are the main causes of cleft lip?
Family history. Parents with a family history of cleft lip or cleft palate face a higher risk of having a baby with a cleft.
How are cleft palates repaired?
Cleft palate repair. Various procedures may be used to close the separation and rebuild the roof of the mouth (hard and soft palate), depending on your child’s situation. The surgeon makes incisions on both sides of the cleft and repositions the tissue and muscles. The repair is then stitched closed. Ear tube surgery.