Early postoperative complications in primary cleft lip and palate surgery — how soon may we discharge patients from hospital?

Retrospective Review of Patients Operated on with Bilateral Cleft Lip through Surgical Outreaches in Kenya

“…The much feared prolabium flap necrosis with the Mulliken repair was not noted in any patient. The complication rates in this study compare fairly well to those from different parts of the world [13,14].…”

Evaluating the Need for Routine Admission following Primary Cleft Palate Repair

“…12,15 As expected, those events are consistently noted to occur with increased frequency in patients with syndromic diagnoses. [14][15][16][17][18] Accordingly, patients undergoing cleft palate repair are found to be significantly more likely to have a length of stay greater than one night compared with patients undergoing cleft lip repair.…”

“…15 These findings are corroborated by other studies that demonstrated the highest risk of respiratory and hemorrhagic complications to occur in the first 48 hours following repair. 12,32 The presence of a syndromic diagnosis or comorbidity also increased the risk of a postoperative event and the need for postoperative admission in our patients. This is consistent with other reports.…”

Discharge Practices, Readmission, and Serious Medical Complications following Primary Cleft Lip Repair in 23 U.S. Children’s Hospitals

“…1 This represents a change from traditional practice, in that discharge historically has occurred after at least one night in the hospital. 2,3 Advocates for same-day discharge after primary cleft lip repair report that the practice minimizes disruption of the child's normal routine and allows for a more comfortable recovery in the child's own familiar environment. 4 Reducing the time spent in the hospital should also reduce the health care costs and risk of hospitalacquired infections or iatrogenic complications.…”