What is the recommended practice regarding oral suction and straw use after cleft palate repair?

• A. Avoid oral suction and straws
• B. Use suction regularly to keep the mouth clean
• C. Allow suction as needed
• D. Only use suction if directed by the surgeon, otherwise avoid it

Answer: (A)

After cleft palate repair, the palate needs to stay as undisturbed as possible to allow the sutures to heal and the tissue to re-approximate. Using oral suction or a straw can create negative pressure and mechanical stress at the surgical site, which may pull the repair apart, cause bleeding or swelling, and slow healing. Because of that, the recommended practice is to avoid oral suction and straw use during the initial healing period. Follow the surgeon’s specific instructions; if they say it’s okay to use suction later on, do so only as directed. In the meantime, use gentle mouth care as advised by the care team.