Which of the following represents the optimal age of cleft palate repair?: (A) 3 months, (B) 3 - 6 months, (C) 6 - 18 months, (D) 24 months
Answer is C. Cleft palate is usually repaired when the infant is between 6 - 18 months of age. Optimal time of cleft lip repair follows the rule of 10 which includes a body weight of 10lb or more, hemoglobin of 10mg/dl or more and age after 10 weeks of life. Reference: Schwaz 's Principles of Surgery 9e chapter 45.