Labial-Nasal Evaluation for Nasal Floor Reconstruction With the New Triangular Flap in Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair

In this study, we present a modified technique for primary cleft lip repair with a rotation triangular flap from the cleft lateral side to reconstruct the nasal floor; and evaluate the outcome compared with traditional Millard repair. 40 patients with unilateral cleft lip were included in this research. The patients were divided into 2 groups; 17 patients treated with the Millard technique, and 23 patients treated with the newly modified technique. 14 measurement indexes were employed to evaluate the nose-lip morphology of postoperative patients with UCCL in standardized photographs preoperatively, postoperatively and 1-year follow-up. For lip symmetry, statistical significance was detected in the measurements of the vertical philtral height ratio indicating that the newly modified technique resolve the shortage of lip height on the cleft side 1-year follow-up. ( P < .05). In addition, statistical significance was detected in the 1-year postoperative columellar angle, alar width ratio, nostril width ratio, nostril height ratio, and nostril shape (cleft) ( P < .05), showing more successful repair of the nose compared with the traditional repair. The modified unilateral cleft lip repair with rotation triangle flap from the cleft lateral side was beneficial in the correction of lip and nasal deformity in and had positive effects on labial symmetry.

Experience of unilateral cleft lip repair using the Anatomical Subunit Technique in an Omani population over a 5 year period

Objectives: The Anatomical Subunit Technique for unilateral cleft lip repair has gained popularity worldwide. The purpose of this study is to report our experience using this technique. Methods: 114 consecutive cases of cleft lip underwent primary cleft lip repair with closed rhinoplasty by a single surgeon from 2015 to 2020. In addition to the demographic data, severity and type of the cleft lip, the surgical outcomes, including vermillion notching, were assessed by an independent senior surgeon and rate of revision surgery were collected from Al-shifa plus 3 health electronic system. Parents’ satisfaction regarding scar quality, lip and nose aesthetic appearance was collected anonymously. The documented data were evaluated using statistical analysis. Results: 82 cases satisfied the inclusion criteria. The mean age at surgery for cleft lip was 32 weeks. 35 cases (43%) were complete cleft lips and 47 cases (57%) were incomplete. 43 children (52%) were born of consanguineous marriage. Six patients (7%) needed revision surgery. The digital survey was completed by 40 subjects and showed 85% satisfaction rate with the postoperative scar, 77.5% satisfaction with the aesthetic appearance of nose. Conclusion: In our hands, the anatomical subunit technique resulted in a predictable result with high patient’s satisfaction rate as related to scar quality, nasal and lip symmetry in children with varying severity of cleft lip. Revision for vermilion excess was needed in 7 % of cases. The high percentage of consanguinity (52%) in our study highlight the need for more targeted national campaigns involving premarital counselling in the Omani population. Keywords: Cleft Lips, cheiloplasty, Oman, Surgical Technique, Millard Technique, Fisher, Consanguinity.

Principalization of the Anatomical Subunit Approximation Technique of Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair

Background: The Anatomical Subunit Approximation cleft lip repair advantageously achieves a balanced lip contour with the line of repair placed along seams of aesthetic subunits. Since Fisher’s original description, it has been adopted widely and adapted, but some surgeons find the transition away from a cut-as-you-go approach challenging. Methods: We present an adapted Anatomic Subunit Approximation technique based on essential components of Fisher’s repair. The order of surgical execution is emphasized. Paradigm shifts are presented to help the surgeon used to more traditional rotation advancement techniques understand the Subunit philosophy. Minor adaptations such as surgically releasing lateral lip elements prior to marking are discussed. Results: A total of 53 eligible patients were treated with unilateral cleft lip repair by the senior author (D.C.) between February 2008 and April 2012 at Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Representative cases were chosen to demonstrate achievable results with the described technique. Conclusion: The proposed technique employs essential skin markings to achieve an anatomic subunit approximation lip repair, and appears to facilitate surgical outcomes with a high degree of symmetry. Core principles of repair include precise anatomical planning, tissue component separation, and muscle-driven advancement.