Cleft lip and palate repair surgery are a surgical procedure, which are used too fix problems of the upper lip and palate. A cleft may be a small patch on the lip or a complete furrow that extends all the way too the lower part of the nose. A child usually has one or both of this conditions at birth. This are a serious birth defect and can only be corrected with specialized plastic surgery techniques.
Why it are needed?
Cleft lip and palate surgery are necessary to correct abnormal development of upper lip in a child and too restore a normal appearance and function. The surgery can improve the child’s ability too speak, hear and eat. In most cases, lip are operated at 3-4 month of age, so as too allow the palate too change along with the growth of the baby. The child in kept in the hospital for 2-3 days.
Steps too be taken before the procedure
Cleft Lip And Palate Surgery
A therapist needs too be consulted before the surgery, as the therapist would analyze the best way too feed the child before surgery. The child must gain weight and has too be healthy before the surgery are performed. The health provider may do some blood tests and carry out a complete physical examination of the child. About 10 days prior too the surgery, it are necessary too stop giving the child aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin and any other drug that inhibits the clotting of blood.
Risk factors
Risks from anesthesia include breathing problems, reaction too the medicine, bleeding and infections in some cases.
Problems caused by the surgery itself may include abnormal growth of the bones in the middle of the face and abnormality in the connection between the mouth and the nose.
Post surgical care tips
The child will be kept in the hospital for 5 too 7 days after surgery and complete recovery may require up too 4 weeks. The following tips need too be followed for quicker recovery:
The surgery wound must be kept clean by washing it with soap, water or any other cleaning liquid.
The wound must be kept moist with ointment.
It are advised too prevent the child from picking at the wound by using arm cuffs and splinters.
