Patient and Family Education
CRANIOFACIAL CENTER
Cleft Palate Repair: Care After
Surgery
How will surgery affect my child and
family?
For a couple of weeks after surgery, your
child’s sleeping and eating routines may be
different. Your child will likely need extra
attention and understanding. Don’t worry about
“spoiling” your child. It is OK to give your child
extra attention and comforting during this time.
What can I expect after surgery?
After the operation, your child will be sleepy
for several hours. He will have an IV for fluids
and pain medicine. Young children may be
wearing arm restraints, long, stiff, cloth sleeves
that help keep his hands away from his mouth.
You may notice a small amount of bloody
drainage from the mouth and nose. Some babies
may have a stitch in the tongue that is taped to
the cheek. This is so the slippery tongue can be
easily grasped and pulled forward if the baby has
any trouble breathing after surgery. It is easily
removed by the day after surgery.
How will my child eat?
After your child awakes, you can give her
clear liquids or breast milk. If she tolerates this,
you can then move on to formula or milk and soft
foods. Most children will eat fairly well after
surgery. Some children will do best with their
usual bottle or cup, while others may need to be
fed with a syringe or squeeze bottle for a period
of time. Some do better with soft solid foods than
they do with liquids. The key is to remain calm
and patient as your child gradually returns to his
usual routines. Most children are drinking well
enough to go home after one night in the hospital,
but some will need to stay longer.
What kind of care will be needed at home?
Arm restraints: Depending on the type of
palate surgery your child had, you may need to
keep arm restraints on your child for up to 2
weeks. Your child’s surgeon will tell you how
they want you to use the restraints. If the surgeon
says to use the restraints 24 hours a day, you can
remove them brief