<prompt> Cleft palate should be repairedAfter 5 years of ageBefore 1 year112 to 2 yearsAny time  <response>: Cleft palate is usually repaired in 1218 months. Early repair causes retarded maxillary growth probably due to trauma to growth center and periosteum of the maxilla during surgery if done early. Late repair causes speech defect. Abnormal insertion of tensor palati is released. Wardill- Kilner push back operationby raising mucoperiosteum flaps based on greater palatine vessels. The exact timing of repair of a palate cleft is controversial. In general, the velum must be closed before the development of speech sounds that require an intact palate.Reference: SRBs Manual of Surgery, 5th ed, page no 350, Fonseca 4th ed page no 503 