Michael D. Manuel, M.D.
Jana K. Cole, M.D.

CLEFT PALATE OR PALATAL FISTULA CLOSURE

The operation to be performed is to repair a split in the palate (roof of the mouth) of a child. This deformity is the result of a congenital defect and because of this there may be residual scars and/or distortions of the shape or function of the palate which may be uncorrectable. The timing of this is usually between 9 and 12 months of age but may require additional surgeries if holes form along the line of repair or if there are abnormalities in speech development postoperatively. The operation will require general anesthesia and is usually one to two hours in length. This can be performed as day surgery in some children but may require hospital stay from 1-3 days depending on the child's recovery.

This surgery is done to repair the split in the roof of the mouth for two reasons. The first reason is to prevent escape of fluid or food particles into the nasal cavity. This is usually accomplished with standard palate repair. The second reason this is being done is to help with the speech development. Normal speech is very important to develop early and for this reason the operation will be undertaken at an early age. Despite the best attempts at surgical correction and best healing possible, there still may be developmental problems in the child's speech. This developmental abnormality may result in additional surgeries to bring speech to its full potential.

Potential complications of this treatment include bleeding or infection, airway obstruction, abnormalities in speech or the formation of fistulas (holes) anywhere along the line of repair. Any or all of these potential complications could result in additional surgery and the adherent risks of that additional treatment.