Palatoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to restore palatal continuity and improve velopharyngeal function in patients with cleft palate. However, postoperative wound healing may influence scar formation, tissue quality, and maxillary growth. Various topical dressings have been used to reduce bacterial colonization and enhance tissue healing. Trigona sp. honey possesses antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that may promote wound healing, while framycetin sulfate is a commonly used aminoglycoside antibiotic dressing in palatoplasty. In addition, the buccal fat pad technique may improve tissue vascularization and epithelialization.
This pilot randomized clinical study aims to evaluate salivary α-amylase levels as a non-invasive biomarker of wound healing in post-palatoplasty patients receiving Trigona sp. honey or framycetin sulfate dressings, with or without buccal fat pad application. Salivary α-amylase levels will be measured preoperatively and on the fourth and seventh days postoperatively to assess inflammatory responses and healing dynamics following surgery.