Our Summary

This research paper documents a new method of repairing a type of birth defect known as a unilateral cleft lip. A unilateral cleft lip occurs when parts of the face do not join together properly while a baby is developing in the womb. The new method aims to fix this issue without the need for cutting skin or removing any tissue, which is typically required in other repair techniques.

The researchers used a technique involving “vermillion flaps”, which are parts of the lip, to expose the muscle layer and edges of skin. Then, they moved and stitched similar types of tissue across the gap in the lip, imitating what should have happened naturally during development.

The team tested this approach on 28 patients, and all of them ended up with functional lips. They also found that the technique created an acceptable level of symmetry, or balance, in the lips of about 86% of patients, and in the noses of about 64% of patients.

The new method, known as the Olokun-Olaitan vermillion flap approach, was found to be effective in repairing unilateral cleft lips and yielded results comparable to those achieved using a well-established technique known as Millard’s technique.

FAQs

  1. What is the novel free-hand approach for cleft lip repair mentioned in the study?
  2. How did the Olokun-Olaitan vermillion flap approach compare with Millard’s technique in the treatment of unilateral cleft lip?
  3. What were the results and effectiveness of the new cleft lip repair technique in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient that following cleft lip repair surgery, it is important to follow post-operative care instructions closely to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include keeping the surgical site clean, avoiding activities that may put pressure on the lip, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. It is also important to be patient, as it may take time for swelling to go down and for the final results of the surgery to be fully visible.

Suitable For

Patients with unilateral cleft lip are typically recommended for cleft lip repair. This study specifically focused on patients with unilateral cleft lip who were treated using the novel free-hand approach. The results showed that all patients treated with this technique had competent lips, with acceptable symmetry of the vermillion achieved in the majority of patients. Lip symmetry and nose symmetry were also deemed acceptable in a high percentage of patients. Overall, the Olokun-Olaitan vermillion flap approach was found to be effective in the repair of unilateral cleft lip.

Timeline

  • Pre-operation:
  1. Patient is diagnosed with unilateral cleft lip, a congenital condition where there is a gap in the upper lip.
  2. Patient undergoes consultations with a plastic surgeon to discuss treatment options.
  3. Patient and family are educated on the cleft lip repair procedure and what to expect before and after surgery.
  • Operation:
  1. Surgeon performs cleft lip repair using the Olokun-Olaitan vermillion flap approach, which does not involve incisions on the skin or excision of tissue.
  2. Vermillion flaps are raised, exposing the muscular layer and edges of skin and mucosa.
  3. Similar tissue types are advanced and sutured across the cleft to achieve lip symmetry.
  • Post-operation:
  1. Patient recovers in the hospital for a few days following surgery.
  2. Patient may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following surgery.
  3. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and for any necessary adjustments.
  4. Over time, the patient’s lip heals and the scar becomes less noticeable.
  5. Patient and family are educated on post-operative care and potential long-term effects of cleft lip repair.

Overall, the Olokun-Olaitan vermillion flap approach has shown to be effective in achieving competent lips and acceptable symmetry in patients undergoing unilateral cleft lip repair.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the Olokun-Olaitan vermillion flap approach and how does it differ from other cleft lip repair techniques?
  2. What are the potential benefits of using this novel free-hand approach for cleft lip repair?
  3. What are the success rates and outcomes of patients who have undergone cleft lip repair using the Olokun-Olaitan vermillion flap approach?
  4. Are there any specific risks or complications associated with this technique that I should be aware of?
  5. How long is the recovery process expected to be after undergoing cleft lip repair using this technique?
  6. Will there be any visible scarring or changes in the appearance of the lip and surrounding areas after the procedure?
  7. What is the long-term prognosis for patients who have undergone cleft lip repair using the Olokun-Olaitan vermillion flap approach?
  8. Are there any additional procedures or treatments that may be recommended in conjunction with cleft lip repair using this technique to achieve optimal results?
  9. How experienced are you in performing cleft lip repair using the Olokun-Olaitan vermillion flap approach, and what is your success rate with this technique?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options or techniques available for cleft lip repair that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Aluko-Olokun B, Olaitan AA, Olubi O, Adediran OM. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2018 Nov;29(8):e804-e807. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000004834. PMID: 30339596