According to the classical 'rule of 10s', elective repair of a cleft lip in an otherwise healthy infant should be planned when the child reaches:
- A 10 weeks of age, 10 pounds weight, haemoglobin 10 g/dL, WBC count 10,000/mm3
- B 10 days of age, 10 kg weight, haemoglobin 10 g/dL
- C 10 weeks of age, 10 pounds weight, haemoglobin 10 g/dL, total protein 10 g/dL ✓
- D 10 months of age, 10 pounds weight, platelet count 10 lakh/mm3
Correct answer: C. 10 weeks of age, 10 pounds weight, haemoglobin 10 g/dL, total protein 10 g/dL
Explanation
The rule of 10s for safe cleft lip repair states the infant should be at least 10 weeks old, weigh 10 pounds (about 4.5 kg), have a haemoglobin of at least 10 g/dL, and a total leucocyte count near 10,000/mm3. Some versions substitute total protein of 10 g/dL for the leucocyte criterion, and that version is the accepted answer in Indian exam convention. Repair much earlier risks anaesthetic and wound complications, while delay beyond 3 to 4 months forfeits optimal scar maturation and feeding benefits.
Reference: Schwartz's Principles of Surgery, 11th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.