What are common postoperative complications after cleft lip repair?

• A. Palatal fistula and velopharyngeal insufficiency
• B. Suture dehiscence, infection, edema, increased pain, bleeding, and restricted mouth opening or lip movement
• C. Hearing loss only
• D. There are no common complications

Answer: (B)

Postoperative wound healing problems and tissue inflammation are the most common issues after cleft lip repair. The incision and surrounding tissues are delicate, so you’ll typically see suture dehiscence if the wound edges separate, infection from bacteria entering the healing site, edema that causes swelling around the lip, increased pain as tissues heal, bleeding from the operative vessels, and temporary restriction of mouth opening or lip movement due to swelling and stiffness. These problems are expected in the early healing period and are usually managed with proper wound care, monitoring for infection, pain and swelling control, and ensuring adequate hydration and nutrition to support healing.

Other problems listed are not as typical for cleft lip repair. Palatal fistula and velopharyngeal insufficiency are more associated with palate repair and can affect speech and airway function, not the lip repair itself. Hearing loss can occur with cleft conditions due to ear issues, but it is not a direct common immediate postoperative complication of lip repair.