Cleft lip and palate repair in India
The lip and the roof of the mouth are repaired in stages, usually in the first year or two, with later speech and dental care.
At a glance
- Type
- Surgical procedure
- Typical procedure time
- About 1–3 hours
- Typical hospital stay
- 2–4 days
- Time to plan in India
- About 1–2 weeks
These are broad, typical ranges for planning a trip. Your doctor sets the real plan for you, and it can be shorter or longer.
When people ask about it
- Cleft lip or palate present from birth
Whether it suits you is a decision for a doctor who has examined you and seen your results.
How it usually works
- Review of your reportsA doctor reads your scans, tests and history and tells you whether this operation is likely to help.
- Pre-operative testsBlood tests, heart and anaesthesia checks and sometimes extra scans are done so the team can plan safely.
- Admission and anaesthesiaYou are admitted, usually the day before or the same morning, and the anaesthetist explains the type of anaesthesia.
- The operationThe surgeon performs the procedure. Your companion is told when it starts and finishes.
- Hospital recoveryNurses and physiotherapists help you move, manage pain and watch for early problems until you are safe to leave.
- Discharge and follow-up planYou receive a written summary, medicines, wound and activity advice, and a plan for check-ups at home.
Recovery and follow-up
- Feeding advice is given to parents.
- Speech therapy and orthodontic care continue for years.
Every procedure carries risks, and they differ from person to person. Ask your doctor to explain the risks that apply to you before you decide.
What affects the cost
We do not publish prices we cannot stand behind. The total depends on you, the hospital and the doctor. After a doctor has reviewed your records, you receive an itemised written estimate before you decide anything.
- The hospital and the surgeon's experience
- The implant, device or graft chosen
- Room category and number of hospital days
- Pre-operative tests and any extra scans
- Physiotherapy, medicines and follow-up visits
- Your stay, local travel and a companion
Documents to prepare
- Recent scans (on disc) and written reports
- Blood test results and a list of all medicines with doses
- Notes from previous operations and any implant cards
- A summary of allergies and long-term conditions
- Passport valid for at least six months and your visa documents
Travel and stay
- Plan to stay until your surgeon says it is safe to fly; this is often more than a week.
- Travel with a companion if you can; you will need help early on.
- Ask your doctor about preventing blood clots on the flight home.
- Carry your medical summary and implant card in your hand luggage.
- Arrange physiotherapy and a check-up for after your return.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What staged plan do you recommend?
- How will speech and dental care be arranged at home?
- Is this the right age to operate?
- Which risks are specific to my child?
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Read the planning guidePlanning information only. This page gives general information to help you prepare questions and plan a trip. It does not diagnose, recommend a treatment or promise an outcome, a price or the availability of a doctor or hospital. Figures are broad, typical ranges and vary from person to person. Only a doctor who has examined you can say what is right for you. This page was prepared by Prognova's editorial team and has not yet been reviewed by a licensed clinician.