Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
Few Hours
General Anesthesia
1-2 Weeks
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Overview
A cleft lip and palate is a birth defect in which babies are born with an opening or split in their lip or palate (the roof of their mouth). This occurs when the baby’s face doesn’t form properly during pregnancy. Cleft lip and palate repair is a surgical procedure to close this opening and improve the child’s ability to eat, speak, and breathe. It is usually performed when the baby is 3-6 months old for the lip and 12-18 months old for the palate, after the patient meets the appropriate weight requirements.
Procedure Details
- Procedure: Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
- Duration: Varies depending on the severity of the cleft, usually a few hours.
- Anesthesia: General Anesthesia
- Location: Atlas University Hospital – Istanbul
- Possible Side Effects: Bleeding, infection, fistula in the palate
- Recovery Time: 1-2 weeks
- Expected Results: Improved ability to eat, speak, and breathe, enhanced facial appearance.
Daily Plan
Day 1:
- Arrival in Istanbul and transfer to the hospital.
- Pre-operative consultation with your surgeon and necessary tests.
- Evaluation of your child’s general health status.
Day 2-3:
- Cleft lip and/or palate repair surgery.
- Post-operative care and monitoring.
- Overnight stay in the hospital.
Day 4:
- Post-operative check-up by the surgeon.
- Changing of dressings.
- Instructions to parents on feeding and oral care.
- Discharge from the hospital and transfer to the hotel.
Day 5-7:
- Rest and recovery at the hotel.
- Cold compress application to reduce swelling and bruising.
- Use of prescription medications.
- Following feeding and oral care instructions.
Day 8:
- Return to your country.
Post-Operative Care
- Keep the surgical area clean.
- Use prescription medications regularly.
- Follow your child’s oral care instructions.
- Give soft foods and make sure your child does not put hard objects in their mouth.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment with a local doctor after returning to your country.
FAQ
Q: Will there be a scar after cleft lip and palate repair surgery?
A: Yes, but surgical techniques are designed to ensure that scars are as inconspicuous as possible.
Q: When can my child eat normally after surgery?
A: This depends on the severity of the cleft and the healing process. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions.
Q: What are the risks of cleft lip and palate repair surgery?
A: As with any surgery, there are risks associated with infection, bleeding, and anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss these in detail.
Q: Will my child need speech therapy?
A: Speech therapy is usually necessary after palate repair.