Anesthesia Considerations 

Cleft Lip & Palate 

 

 

Considerations

 

• Potential difficult airway (especially bag mask ventilation):

  • Careful airway plan required  

  • Ensure direct laryngoscope does not enter cleft!

• Swallowing dysfunction:

  • Lung soiling, restrictive lung disease 

  • Malnutrition

• Associated craniofacial disorders/congenital diseases:

  • Pierre-Robin

  • Cogenital heart disease in 20%

• Post-op airway complications:

  • Laryngospasm

  • Edema/obstruction (surgery makes airway management more difficult)

 

 

Goals

 

• Assess airway for bag mask ventilation, laryngoscopy, & establish sequential airway plan

• Evaluate for congenital heart disease & other congenital abnormalities 

• Safe post-op airway management