HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)cleft palate surgeryDoes my child need another cleft palate surgery?

Do children with soft cleft palate also need multiple surgeries to fix the issue?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At December 14, 2017
Reviewed AtFebruary 8, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am having one doubt in my mind. Previously, I read that all cleft palate children usually undergo multiple surgeries. Is this statement valid for the soft cleft palate as well? Children with soft cleft palate also need to undergo multiple surgeries?

My child was having only soft cleft palate which was repaired five months back. As of now, we can see that her speech has improved to some extent after the surgery in these five months as well as milk coming out of her nose is not seen from last month. How to know whether we need any surgery or not? We hope she will not require any. Please let us know whether all children with soft cleft palate also need to have multiple surgeries?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Multiple surgeries in cleft palate children depend upon the extent of the cleft and the age of the child at the time of operation. Only cleft soft palate rarely need another surgery. But, it is quite often that there is an underlying defect of the hard palate as well which is bony. Bony defects might need grafts and may need multiple surgeries. Secondly, in some kids, the cleft palate is associated with a cleft lip which requires another surgery. Any life-saving surgery has to be done early but cosmetic procedures are done later. As your child has only soft palate defect, no further surgery might be required. But, if you can send me the reports, I can suggest you better.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I do not have a soft copy of the reports. But, when our pediatrician referred us to the surgeon, he mentioned on paper as a soft cleft palate. After surgery on the discharge report, it was mentioned that the patient was operated for a cleft palate von Langenbeck repair. Please give your opinion.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Von Langenbeck repair is done if there is a defect in the hard palate. This is most common. If the child has proper speech then no further surgery is required.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal
Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal

Audiology

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