The selection of technique in primary cleft palate repair

ABSTRACT

The choice of technique in uranoplasty should depend on the individual case. However, in each instance it is better to adopt a technique where 2 layers of flaps are apprerimated to ensure that at least one of the layers will take. Again, it is a good principle not to force suturing and to liberate the flaps and approximate them without tension. Multiple operations should be discouraged. Each operation produces fibrosis and the more operations there are the harder they become. Cleft palate should be done ideally at 1 1/2 to 2 years because here (1) speech recovery is satisfactory, (2) structures are still soft and can be approximated and sutured without tension, (3) whatever deficiency there is, nature will try to compensate for it because the child is still young, and (4) bad speech habits are obviatedThe technique that is preferred is one that will be finished in one sitting, one that will make the uvula long and make the soft palate and uvula mobilePre-alveolar fistulas can be closed by triangular mucosa of the lip being slid to cover the opening.(Summary)