Comparison of different management of relaxation incision in infant palatoplasty

Abstract

Objective To compare the influence of two different managements of relief incision (exposed relaxation therapy or absorbable hemostatic gauze) in infants' palatoplasty. Methods A total of 118 infants with cleft palate between 5- to 8-month-old for the study were randomly divided into two groups: group A was exposed therapy group, and in group B both sides of relief incision were placed absorbable hemostatic gauze. The wound bleeding, body temperature, diet and incidence of fistula were observed and analyzed after operation. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups in postoperative temperature, diet and wound healing (P>0. 05). The postoperative wound bleeding was statistically significant differences between the two groups (P<0. 05). Conclusions Either exposed therapy or placed absorbable hemostatic gauze in relief incision, has minimal systemic and local reactions in the postoperative infant. The advantages of exposed treatment are economic and simple, and less irritant to the wound. Key words: Palatoplasty; Absorbable hemostatic gauze; Relief incision; Infant