Repair of the deformity of bilateral cleft lip with non-elongated cheiloplasty and rectangular mucomuscular complex flaps of double vermilion

Abstract

Objective To introduce experiences with non-elongated cheiloplasty and rectangular mucomuscular complex flaps of double vermilion for repairing bilateral cleft lips. Methods 29 patients (20 males and 9 females) with bilateral cleft lips underwent operations of non-elongated cheiloplasty and rectangular mucomuscular complex flaps of double vermilion. There were 15 bilateral complete cleft lips, 11 bilateral incomplete cleft lips and 3 bilateral mixed cleft lips. The deformity of white lips was reconstructed with traditional non-elongated cheiloplasty. When repairing the vermilion, the rectangular mucomuscular complex flaps which included mucous membrane of vermilion and part of orbicularis oris in double vermilion were designed, and vermilion of fore lip was incised along boundary of wet lip and dry lip. Then rectangular mucomuscular complex flaps of double vermilion were rotated downward and inward to be sewn with fore lip. At the step, the end of orbicularis otis should be sewn widely and fitly in order to form a normal annular structure. Results The wounds of all the patients were healed at one stage. The height and width of patients' upper lips were proper and the center tubercles of the upper lips were obvious. No whistling deformity appeared. Conclusion The method for repairing bilateral cleft lips is simple and reliable. Less tissues could be excised and the satisfactory form and function of nose and lip could be achieved. It is worthy to be applied in clinical practice. Key words: Bilateral cleft lips; Non-elongated eheiioplasty; Rectangular mucomuscular complex flaps