Cleft palate repair.

Cleft palates are congenital or acquired and effect the primary palate (lip) or the secondary (hard and soft) palate. Surgical repair of congenital cleft palate is indicated at an early age. Preservation of maximal tissue and tissue blood supply and a tension-free closure of the defect are requisite for successful repair. Multiple surgical procedures are often performed prior to resolution of this problem. Aspiration pneumonia is often present concurrently and should be treated with appropriate antibiotic therapy.