Caring for a child after jaw cleft surgery requires attention to detail to ensure a smooth recovery. This guide outlines key steps and precautions based on standard medical practices.
Wound Care
The sutures used in the cleft jaw wound are absorbable and do not need removal. They will dissolve naturally within about one month without any additional treatment.
Managing Phlegm
To minimize sputum buildup after anesthesia, which can cause discomfort or vomiting in the child:
- Timing: Perform this right after returning to the ward or every 2 hours.
- Method: Cup your palms slightly and tap gently using wrist strength.
- Location: Above the waist, on both sides under the armpits.
Feeding After Surgery
Use appropriate tools such as droppers, spoons, double-covered pacifiers, bottles, or cups to feed the child comfortably.
Diet Progression
Follow a gradual return to normal eating to aid healing:
- Days 2-3 Post-Surgery: Opt for ice or cold liquids like ice cream. Transition to warm foods within a week.
- First Week: Stick to a full liquid diet, including options like rice soup, soy milk, juice, broth, rice milk, vegetable soup, chicken soup, fish soup, rib soup, milkshakes, or broth.
- Weeks 2-3: Introduce semi-liquid foods such as porridge, pudding, steamed eggs, noodles, winter melon soup, noodle threads, cakes, fish, or fruit purees.
- After Week 3: Resume a normal diet with meats, rice, and solid foods.
Oral Hygiene
Maintain cleanliness after each meal:
- For children around 1 year old: Rinse with boiled water instead of mouthwash.
- For children and adults over 4 years old: Brush teeth with toothpaste and use mouth rinse.
Hand Restraint for Young Children
For children about 1 year old, use cotton socks to restrain hands during daytime or nighttime sleep to prevent them from putting fingers or sharp objects in their mouth. This precaution is not needed after two weeks.
Dietary Restrictions
Avoid irritating drinks such as soda, sausage, cola, or similar beverages.
Ear Care
If a middle ear ventilation catheter is placed, prevent water from entering the ear canal. Seek medical attention promptly if there's increased odor or yellow discharge.
Additional Notes
- Handling Fever (Above 38.5 Degrees Celsius): Provide more liquid foods, increase phlegm management, use an ice pillow for sleep, and give warm baths.
- Managing Bleeding at the Surgical Site (Rare):
- Calm the child to soothe their emotions.
- Keep the head elevated at 45-90 degrees.
- Offer ice boiled water or ice water.
- Apply direct pressure to the upper jaw with clean gauze or a handkerchief.
- If bleeding persists, seek emergency medical care.