Cleft Palate Repair (Palatoplasty) Post-Operative

Appearance

After cleft palate surgery, there will be sutures (stitches) on the roof of your child's mouth. You will not be able to see these from the outside. Your child may have some red drainage from his nose and mouth.

Wound Care

Care must be taken to avoid letting the child place hard objects or his hands in his mouth. Elbow restraints may be necessary to prevent the child from scratching his mouth. An antibiotic may be prescribed for your child to take when you go home.

Pain

By the time your child is ready to go home from the hospital he should not be experiencing much discomfort. The doctor may suggest a mild pain relief medication if needed. Periods of irritability may be due to the arm restraints or hunger. Tender loving care is recommended. Cuddle and talk to your child often.

Diet

Follow your physician's recommendation for the best type of feeding method for your child. The Mead Johnson Nurser with a large cross cut opening (such that there is a steady flow of liquid through the opening when the bottle is held upside down) should be acceptable. Care should be taken to make sure that the child receives enough liquids. Hold your child in a semi-sitting position and feed him slowly. Small frequent feedings may be necessary for the first week. Follow each meal with water to help clean the inside of the mouth. Avoid allowing the child to place hard objects in his mouth.

When to Call

Symptoms of infection are bright redness, pus-like drainage, or swelling. Call us if you observe any of these symptoms. If you child starts to run a fever (over 102°F) check to make sure that he is getting enough liquids. Dehydration can cause the body temperature to rise. If you can't get him to take food or liquids, please give us a call.

Return to Clinic

You will be given an appointment to return to the clinic for a post-operative check when your child is discharged. This will usually be about a week after surgery. Bring any questions you may have with you to this appointment. If you are unable to keep the appointment, please be sure to call and reschedule.

For medical questions, please call:

Craniofacial Anomalies Program: (734) 764-2582.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic: 8 AM-5 PM (734) 763-8063
After hours and on weekends, call Hospital Paging at (734) 936-6267 and ask for the Plastic Surgeon on call.