Early postoperative complications in primary cleft lip and palate surgery--how soon may we discharge patients from hospital?

A retrospective review of the early complications of primary cleft lip and palate surgery in one Plastic Surgery Unit was conducted and the results are presented. Out of 164 primary procedures performed there was an overall complication rate of 26.2%. The life-threatening complications were all related to the respiratory system and all but one of these occurred within 2 days of operation.