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What is the primary reason for scheduling the repair of the cleft lip and palate separately?

  1. A. They prefer to schedule the repairs separately to avoid using too much anesthesia

  2. B. The palate is generally not repaired until the child begins talking

  3. C. The palate needs to have an opportunity to grow and requires the child to drink from an open cup, usually between 6-12 months of age

  4. D. It sounds like you have some unanswered questions. I can arrange to have you speak to the surgeon

The correct answer is: C. The palate needs to have an opportunity to grow and requires the child to drink from an open cup, usually between 6-12 months of age

The primary reason for scheduling the repair of the cleft lip and palate separately is that the palate needs to have adequate opportunity for growth and development prior to repair. Repairing the palate too early can interfere with that natural growth process. This timing is particularly important because, around the age of 6 to 12 months, children typically begin to drink from an open cup, which promotes the development of oral skills necessary for later speech. The palate plays a critical role in speech production, as it separates the nasal cavity from the oral cavity and is essential for articulating sounds. Thus, delays in repair allow for more effective oral function and development prior to surgery. This approach not only supports physical growth but also aids in the timing of interventions to optimize the child's speech and overall developmental outcomes.