Our Summary

This study looked at whether using a tube (nasopharyngeal cannula) in the nose after jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) helps to keep the airway clear and comfortable. They tested this on 26 people who had had cleft lip and palate repaired, some with the tube and some without. They measured comfort and how well the airway was working at several points before and after the operation. They found that the tube actually made things worse - it was more uncomfortable, blocked the airway more, and made it harder for the nose to do its job. They also found that after 6 hours, the tube didn’t help at all with comfort, keeping the airway clear, or stopping bleeding. So, it seems that using a nasopharyngeal cannula after this type of surgery might not be a good idea.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the study conducted on the use of a nasopharyngeal cannula after jaw surgery?
  2. What were the findings of the study regarding the comfort and functionality of the airway with the use of a nasopharyngeal cannula post-surgery?
  3. Is the use of a nasopharyngeal cannula recommended after orthognathic surgery based on this study’s results?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cleft palate surgery is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the surgical site clean and avoiding certain foods or activities that may interfere with healing. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or complications to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who have had cleft lip and palate repaired are typically recommended cleft palate surgery. This surgery is commonly recommended for infants born with a cleft palate to improve feeding, speech development, and overall facial appearance. Additionally, children and adults with a cleft palate may also be recommended surgery to correct speech difficulties, improve dental occlusion, and enhance facial symmetry.

Timeline

Before cleft palate surgery:

  • Consultation with a plastic surgeon or craniofacial team
  • Pre-operative evaluation and testing
  • Discussion of treatment plan and goals
  • Education on the procedure and recovery process
  • Consent for surgery

After cleft palate surgery:

  • Recovery in the hospital for a few days
  • Pain management and monitoring for complications
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon and speech therapist
  • Speech therapy and other interventions as needed to address speech and feeding difficulties
  • Monitoring and support for healing and scar management
  • Long-term follow-up for growth and development, and possible additional surgeries or interventions needed

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after cleft palate surgery involves careful planning, support, and monitoring to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient’s speech, feeding, and overall quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of using a nasopharyngeal cannula after cleft palate surgery?
  2. What are the potential benefits and risks of using a nasopharyngeal cannula in this situation?
  3. Are there alternative methods for keeping the airway clear and comfortable after cleft palate surgery?
  4. How long would I need to use a nasopharyngeal cannula after the surgery?
  5. How will using a nasopharyngeal cannula impact my recovery process and overall comfort?
  6. Are there any specific factors about my case that make using a nasopharyngeal cannula more or less advisable?
  7. What are the potential complications or side effects associated with using a nasopharyngeal cannula after cleft palate surgery?
  8. How will using a nasopharyngeal cannula affect my ability to eat, speak, and breathe normally after the surgery?
  9. Are there any other post-operative care instructions or recommendations I should be aware of in relation to using a nasopharyngeal cannula?
  10. Based on the findings of this study, would you recommend using a nasopharyngeal cannula in my specific case?

Reference

Authors: Jordão MRZ, Valente ACB, Mello MAB, Silveira JSZD, Moura Junior HJ, Yamashita RP, Yaedú RYF. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2020 Sep;31(6):1793-1795. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000006605. PMID: 32502105