Anesthetic Considerations and Complications of Cleft Palate Repairs. What's New?

Purpose of Review This review illustrates the latest considerations and complications of cleft palate (CP) repair. Cleft lip and palate are the most common craniofacial deformities; their repair is a routine surgery performed early in life. Potential complications might be of severe complexity, and the anesthesiologist must be familiar with them. Recent Findings The awareness of neurotoxicity related to anesthesia has grown. Currently, there is no evidence supporting the postponement of CP surgery; early repair is important to ensure the best development of the child. From the pain point of view, the use of dexmedetomidine and bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block (SMB) has brought an important improvement in pain control. Both appear to diminish the use of narcotics, respiratory complications, and emergence agitation. Recent research regarding CP repair aims to reduce anesthetic impact on the infant brain development and to optimize pain management. The use of dexmedetomidine and SMB might play a key role.