What is a common risk after cleft palate repair related to edema and airway?

• A. No airway risk after palate repair
• B. Edema with potential airway obstruction but no infection risk
• C. Edema with airway obstruction and high risk of infection
• D. Edema with potential airway compromise and risk of infection

Answer: (D)

Postoperative swelling from cleft palate repair can narrow the airway, so the biggest concern is that edema may lead to airway compromise. Swelling in the oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal regions can reduce airway patency, especially when combined with anesthesia or pain medications that depress respiration. At the same time, any intraoral surgical site carries a risk of infection, since the mouth naturally harbors bacteria and the wound is exposed during healing. The best description of the common risk is edema that can threaten the airway (airway compromise) while also carrying a real possibility of infection. This combination captures both the immediate concern for breathing safety and the ongoing wound infection risk, which is why it’s the most accurate choice.