Rules of Engagement in Minimal Blood Loss Palatoplasty Using Saline Hydro Dissection: A Useful Learning Curve for Younger Cleft Surgeons in Manoeuvring Areas of Static Resistance due to Tight Tissue Planes

Minimal blood loss in palatoplasty can be achieved with adrenaline saline hydro dissection, and a good knowledge of key anatomical structures as well as the stubborn areas of static resistance, where dissection is difficult because of fixed tissue planes. With the advent of minimal incision palatoplasty, button-hole and medial-only incision procedures, the amount of blood loss is significantly reduced in most palate operations. The two-stage palate repair also leads to less blood loss and is a popular concept among cleft groups worldwide following the initial promotion by Swedish cleft groups at Gothenburg. The learning curve is reasonable and techniques can be added, as one gains more experience with cleft palate surgeries.