Well my friends, today we are headed back into surgery for what is considered a cleft palate VPI revision. I realized I never properly updated you on how Nolan’s initial cleft palate VPI surgery went in the fall outside of social media.
Here’s the recap! As you’ll see throughout the photos below (viewer discretion is advised if you don’t like open wounds) of his recovery from VPI surgery on September 1st, we had some challenges. What should have been a two to three-week recovery turned into five.
And, what should have been his last major surgery for a few years has left us with what I now hope will truly be our last surgery for a while once we get through today.
What is VPI Surgery?
VPI stands for Velopharyngeal Insufficiency. Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is when the soft palate does not close tightly against the back of the throat, leading to air coming out the nose (characterized by hypernasality and/or nasal air emission) during speech. This can cause speech that is difficult to understand. (source)
You can always check out our update post for more info if you want to learn more.
So, What Happened?
With a cleft repair, there are usually at least three layers of stitches to hold it all together. Unfortunately for us, Nolan’s stiches started to dissolve too quickly and his palate split open.
This was like a bad flashback to when Nolan was born. Seeing his palate split wide open again just broke my heart. Not to mention, I knew we’d have to have another surgery and that made my gut hurt.
I do have to say, the mouth is miraculous when it comes to healing. As you’ll see below, the tissue and muscles came together on their own to close the gap in the roof of his mouth. However, there is one piece at the back, near where the VIP flap is that still needs to come together.
Here We Are
Which brings us to today’s revision surgery. He is such a brave and curious kiddo. Which makes me so curious to think about where he could be in 20 years.
That thought aside, thankfully today’s surgery is nowhere near as invasive as the surgery in September was. However, it’s still surgery, and it’s still hard on a Mama’s heart to see fear in her baby’s face. Especially when he’s laying on the operating table, and you’re doing everything you can to not fall apart right there with him.
It’s a Wrap!
We just saw the surgeon and he was really pleased with how the revision went and a successful Z-Plasty to finish lengthening Nolan’s palate!
We are so grateful for our surgical team and to have jobs which allow us the flexibility to be here for our little man. Thank you all for the prayers and well wishes as we made it through another surgery. With any luck, we’ll be headed home this evening!
xo, Tiff