False statement about cleft palate repair is: March 2011
**Core Concept**
Cleft palate repair is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting the abnormal formation of the palate in infants. The timing of cleft palate repair is crucial, and it typically requires a multidisciplinary approach involving a team of surgeons, speech therapists, and other specialists.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association recommends that cleft palate repair should not be performed immediately after birth. This is because the infant's palate is still developing, and the surgical repair may interfere with the normal growth and development of the jaw and surrounding tissues. Typically, cleft palate repair is performed between 9 and 12 months of age, when the infant is more stable and the palate has developed sufficiently to support the repair. The exact timing may vary depending on the individual case and the surgeon's preference.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** A hemoglobin level of 10 gram% is not a specific requirement for cleft palate repair, but rather a general guideline for elective surgery. However, it is not directly related to the timing of the procedure.
**Option B:** There is no specific weight requirement for cleft palate repair. However, the infant should be stable enough to undergo general anesthesia, which typically requires a minimum weight of around 10 pounds (4.5 kg).
**Option D:** A two-stage procedure may be necessary if the cleft lip is associated with other congenital anomalies or if the surgeon prefers to address the cleft lip and palate separately. However, this is not a universal requirement for all cases of cleft lip and palate.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Cleft palate repair should be performed in a multidisciplinary setting, with careful attention to the timing and planning of the procedure. The goal of cleft palate repair is to restore normal speech and feeding abilities, as well as to promote normal growth and development of the jaw and surrounding tissues.
✓ Correct Answer: C. Repaired immediately after bih