1. Introduction

    Cleft palate repair is usually performed in stages, depending on the extent of the defect. For the more severe deformities, the initial operation repairs the lip and anterior portion of the hard palate. The soft palate and other deformities are usually corrected later after 6 months of age. Infants with cleft lip deformities can have difficulty feeding and may be prone to malnutrition and congenital (heart) anomalies and disease.

2. Anesthetic technique