The factors influencing cleft repair are multiple and complex. A compr
omise must be achieved between facial growth, scarring, speech and lan
guage development, and psychological factors. However, one question re
mains unanswered. When is it safest in relation to the maturity of the
respiratory control mechanisms? It was the aim of this pilot study to
identify any problems with respiratory function after primary surgery
. Of 39 patients, 42% were seen to have episodes of repeated hypoxemia
of <92% saturation associated with bradycardia beyond 48 hours postop
eratively. The implication of the findings and future directions for r
esearch are discussed.