MyHealth.Alberta.ca Network

Cleft Palate Repair: Before Your Child's Surgery

What is cleft palate repair?

The roof of the mouth is called the palate. Cleft palate repair is surgery to fix a split (cleft) in the palate. The doctor will make a cut along the edge of the cleft inside your child's mouth. This cut is called an incision. The doctor will use stitches to bring the cut edges together to cover the split. Your child will be asleep during the surgery.

Your child may need more than one surgery to make the repair. The first surgery is usually done before a child is 12 months old.

Most children have a short hospital stay after surgery. It usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks for a child to heal.

After surgery, it will be easier for your child to eat, breathe, and make the sounds needed for speech. Some children need more surgery on their lips, nose, or mouth as they get older to improve their speech.

How do you prepare for surgery?

Surgery can be stressful for both your child and you. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your child's surgery.

Preparing for surgery

Talk to your child about the surgery. Tell your child that the surgery will probably make it easier to eat, breathe, and make the sounds needed for speech. Hospitals know how to take care of children. The staff will do all they can to make it easier for your child.
Ask if a special tour of the surgery area and hospital is available. This may make your child feel less nervous about what happens.
Plan for your child's recovery time. Your child may need more of your time right after the surgery, both for care and for comfort.
Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
Tell the doctor ALL the medicines and natural health products your child takes. Some may increase the risk of problems during the surgery. Your doctor will tell you if your child should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.

The day before surgery

A nurse may call you (or you may need to call the hospital). This is to confirm the time and date of your child's surgery and answer any questions.
Remember to follow your doctor's instructions about your child taking or stopping medicines before surgery. This includes over-the-counter medicines.

What happens on the day of surgery?

Follow the instructions exactly about when your child should stop eating and drinking. If you don't, the surgery may be cancelled. If the doctor told you to have your child take his or her medicines on the day of surgery, have your child take them with only a sip of water.
Have your child take a bath or shower before you come in. Do not apply lotion or deodorant.
Your child may brush his or her teeth. But tell your child not to swallow any toothpaste or water.
Be sure your child has something that reminds him or her of home. A special stuffed animal, toy, or blanket may be comforting. For an older child, it might be a book or music.

At the hospital or surgery centre

A parent or legal guardian must accompany your child.
Your child will be kept comfortable and safe by the anesthesia provider. Your child will be asleep during the surgery.
The surgery will take about 1 to 3 hours.
After surgery, your child will be taken to the recovery room. As your child wakes up, the recovery room staff will monitor his or her condition. The doctor will talk to you about the surgery.
You will probably be able to take your child home 1 to 2 days after the surgery.

When should you call your doctor?

You have questions or concerns.
You don't understand how to prepare your child for the surgery.
Your child becomes ill before the surgery (such as fever, flu, or a cold).
You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about your child having the surgery.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter P745 in the search box to learn more about "Cleft Palate Repair: Before Your Child's Surgery".

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.