Is it necessary to repair soft cleft palate with surgery?

Question

Hi doctor,

My daughter is now 2 years old. She has been detected with a soft cleft palate six months back. As of now, she does not have issue while eating as well as hearing. She used to drink milk with normal milk bottle we are in the process of removing her habit of milk bottle. Our pediatrician asked us to take her to a plastic surgeon and he said to do it in between 3 to 4 years of age, so that she can be little strong. Is it compulsory to go for surgery in case of soft cleft palate? Is it fine if we go in between 3 to 4 years of age? Or what is the proper age for surgery? She is just 2 years old and so we are a bit worried with the surgery part. How long this surgery will take place? Will she be alright after this surgery and will able to speak all words? Is there any dangerous situation involved in this surgery? How anesthesia will be given to her? Will she feel the pain? Please explain me.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern for your child.

1. Usually, cleft palate is repaired at the age of 1 to 2 years. As your child has only soft cleft palate (less severe), the surgeon has delayed the timing of surgery.

2. Thissurgery helps in proper development of speech, prevents from ear infections and prevents lung infection, which can occur through aspiration as a proper closure mechanism of wind pipe is not possible during feeding in such children. So I would say, yes, you should go for it.

3. Also, it is a social stigma for a child when she grows up. As speech development starts from an early age, for cleft lip 6 to 12 months and for palate 1 year is usually advised. In your case, if the child has no problem with speech, then probably you may delay.

4. Yes, she will be alright and her speech would definitely be better.

5. General anesthesia is used, which has a minor risk, but everything usually goes fine.

6. The child will not feel pain during surgery, but later may have a little pain for which pain killers will be given.

7. I know you must be worried, but I would say you should be strong. Please talk to your surgeon and plan for surgery whenever they want it to be done as it is for the betterment of your child.