Combining Millard's and Cronin's Methods of Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair — a Comparative Study

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether Millard's and Cronin's methods of cleft lip repair could be combined to retain the advantages and eliminate the disadvantages of each method.Patients and Methods: Fifty nine patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate were randomly allocated for 3 methods of lip repair: Millard's method, Cronin's method, and a combination of the 2 methods. The design of the combined method consisted of a modified Millard incision and a 2 mm triangular flap placed 1 mm above the white roll. Muscle repair was done in all 3 methods. Three months after surgery, symmetry of the lip and nose was assessed using the Cleft Lip Component Symmetry Index.Results: The Cleft Lip Component Symmetry Index score of the philtral height, vermillion height, and Cupid's bow height achieved with the combined method was comparable to that achieved with Cronin's method and was superior to that obtained with Millard's method. Further, the combined method achieved a Cleft Lip Component Symmetry Index score for the philtral width that was not significantly different from that of Millard's method and better than that of Cronin's method.Conclusion: The advantages of Millard's and Cronin's methods, which are the most widely used methods of cleft lip repair, could be retained and the disadvantages eliminated to a great degree by combining the 2 methods. A basic muscle repair could also be included in the new combined method.