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. 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. Regards. For more information consult an ENT Otolaryngologist online -->