What should be monitored postoperatively for signs of infection after cleft lip repair?

• A. Only fever
• B. Fever or infection signs including redness, swelling, or drainage
• C. No infection concerns
• D. Only wound pain

Answer: (B)

Postoperative infection after cleft lip repair is best watched for both systemic and local wound indicators. Fever can signal infection, but it isn’t the only clue—local changes around the incision are crucial: redness, warmth, swelling, drainage or pus, and new or increasing tenderness. Because facial incisions can harbor infection early, regularly assessing temperature and closely inspecting the lip incision for these local signs helps catch problems promptly. If any redness spreads, drainage appears, or the incision becomes more swollen or painful, contact the surgeon right away. Pain alone or the absence of fever doesn’t rule out infection, so both fever and wound signs should be monitored.