Name of the Procedure:

Repair, laceration of palate; up to 2 cm

Summary

A surgical procedure to repair damage to the palate (roof of the mouth) when a tear or cut is no larger than 2 centimeters.

Purpose

Addresses injuries to the palate caused by trauma, accidents, or surgical complications. The goal is to restore the structure and function of the palate to facilitate normal eating, speaking, and oral hygiene.

Indications

• Visible tear or cut on the palate.
• Difficulty eating or speaking due to the injury.
• Pain or bleeding from the palate injury.
• Risk of infection from an open wound in the mouth.

Preparation

• Fasting for at least 6 hours prior to the procedure if general anesthesia is used.
• Adjustments to current medications as advised by a healthcare provider.
• Pre-procedural assessments like a physical examination and medical history review.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: Local or general anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient is comfortable.
2. Cleaning: The area around the laceration is cleaned with a sterile solution.
3. Repair: Using fine sutures (stitches), the surgeon carefully closes the laceration.
4. Inspection: The repaired area is inspected for proper alignment and closure.
5. Aftercare: Necessary dressing or protective measures are applied.

Tools and Equipment: Sterile sutures, scalpel, forceps, needle holder, and antiseptic solutions.

Duration

Typically, the procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting

Performed in an outpatient clinic, surgical center, or hospital.

Personnel

• Surgeon (preferably an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or ENT specialist)
• Surgical nurse
• Anesthesiologist (if general anesthesia is used)

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Suture line breakdown
• Scar tissue formation
• Changes in sensations of the palate

Benefits

• Restoration of normal palate function
• Reduced pain and bleeding
• Lower risk of infection
• Improved ability to eat, drink, and speak

Benefits can often be realized within a few days to weeks, as the repair heals.

Recovery

• Follow a soft diet to avoid disrupting the sutures.
• Avoid hot, spicy, or acidic foods and beverages for several days.
• Maintain good oral hygiene but with gentle brushing near the repair site.
• Follow-up visit to remove sutures (if non-dissolvable) and assess healing.
• Avoid strenuous activities that may stress the repair site for about 1-2 weeks.

Alternatives

• Conservative management with antibiotic therapy and avoiding hard foods if the laceration is minor and expected to heal on its own.
• No surgical intervention but increased risk of complications like infection and impaired oral function.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, local anesthesia will numb the palate, minimizing discomfort. If general anesthesia is used, the patient will be asleep and wake up in a recovery area. Post-procedure, there may be some pain or swelling managed with prescribed pain relievers and cold packs. The feeling of tightness due to the sutures is common but temporary. Most patients can resume normal activities within a week but should follow specific dietary and oral care recommendations.