Palate Surgery

Description: 

A cleft palate is usually repaired at about 9-12 months.  Most babies recover very quickly from this operation and you can expect to stay in hospital with your child for around 3 days.

Things to talk about:

• Comparison of this procedure with the lip repair.  In terms of length, pain, time to recover and getting back to normal.
• Similar issues to last time, so just check that all the same hospital procedures will apply in this case as well.
• After the surgery, what kind of care will my baby receive?
• How long for the following:
  • Pureed solids?
  • Non-suck method of feeding?
  • Arm splints?
  • When is the check done after surgery?
  • Once discharged, what kind of things should we be aware of?
  • Who do we contact with issues?
  • Comparison of this procedure with the lip repair.  In terms of length, pain, time to recover and getting back to normal.

Important information:

• Even though this may be your second experience of surgery and hospital admission, do not be surprised if you have many of the feelings you experienced the first time round.
• Often babies reduce the amount of fluid they will take after the palate repair.  This is quite normal and it may take some time to get back up to levels they were having before surgery.  Persevere, as it is important that they get enough fluids.  Nursing staff will want to be assured that feeding is re-established before you will be discharged.
• You can add liquid to pureed solids.  Keep a watch for signs of dehydration – dry nappies, dull eyes, listlessness.