Immediate unrestricted feeding of infants following cleft lip and palate repair.

Postoperative feeding regimens after cleft lip and palate repair continue to be a controversial issue. This study was designed to test the feasibility of immediate unrestricted feeding after lip and palate closure with attention to operative outcome or complications. A retrospective analysis of two feeding protocols involved 80 infants with both unilateral and bilateral defects. Protocol A utilized tube and syringe feedings, and protocol B utilized unrestricted bottle or breast feedings. There were no instances of lip or palate wound complications in the unrestricted group. We conclude that immediate unrestricted feeding may be instituted safely, thus improving and simplifying postoperative management after cleft lip and/or palate repair.