Postoperative Care and Diet After Cleft Palate Surgery

After cleft palate surgery, common postoperative precautions include closely monitoring symptom changes, taking body temperature regularly, and preventing aspiration. Diet should be gradually advanced, with an emphasis on light flavor and adequate nutrition. Proper care contributes significantly to recovery.

I. Precautions

1. Closely monitor symptom changes
Monitor the patient's symptoms carefully after surgery. Inform the doctor immediately if increased bleeding, unconsciousness, shock, or other serious conditions occur.

2. Take body temperature regularly
Regularly measure body temperature to monitor overall health, as a noticeable rise in temperature often indicates a postoperative infection.

3. Prevent aspiration
Change head position promptly or use cotton swabs, gauze, etc., to help drain blood and saliva from the mouth and prevent aspiration.

II. Diet

1. Gradual transition
The patient should not eat before fully awake after surgery. Four hours after regaining consciousness, small amounts of water may be given. If no discomfort such as nausea or vomiting occurs after drinking water, the patient can begin consuming small amounts of liquid diet, gradually progressing to semi-liquid and then normal diet.

2. Light flavor
Since there is an open wound in the mouth, food should be mild in taste to avoid irritating the surgical site.

3. Adequate nutrition
To promote recovery, it is important to maintain a nutritious diet, including increased intake of nutrients such as vitamins and protein.

In addition, maintaining good oral hygiene is also important. Strictly following the doctor’s instructions for postoperative care helps accelerate recovery.