Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

A cleft is an opening in tissue that normally fuses to form the upper lip, alveolus, or palate. The visible difference is only one part of the clinical picture. A palatal opening also connects the mouth with the nose, so the infant may be unable to create an effective seal for feeding. At the bedside, first decide whether the infant can maintain the airway, transfer milk safely, and sustain growth without excessive work. Those priorities remain central before repair and become especially time-sensitive when the infant is choking, cyanotic, apneic, or showing signs of dehydration.