Cleft palate closure at 3 to 7 months of age: a preliminary report.

The evolution and present criteria for early soft palate closure are reviewed. A definitive group of patients (operated on at 3 to 7 months of age) is reviewed at least 2 years following their surgery. They are compared with our general clinic population (operated on at 12 to 18 months of age) and had significantly fewer secondary operations for velopharyngeal incompetence. The possible advantages and disadvantages of early soft palate closure are discussed.