Our Summary

This research paper is about modern techniques for repairing cleft lips, which can occur on one or both sides of the mouth. Cleft lips can sometimes occur with other conditions like a cleft palate or cleft alveolus, which are also discussed in this paper.

The authors explain the principles of two methods for fixing a cleft lip on one side of the mouth. The first method involves making changes to the rotation-advancement technique, while the second method is based on Fisher’s anatomical subunit approach. Both of these methods can have great results when performed by an expert.

When it comes to fixing a cleft lip on both sides of the mouth, the authors present Mulliken’s method. They also explain how to correct the nose deformity that often comes with a cleft lip at the same time as the cleft lip repair.

The paper also talks about how poor repair work can lead to less than ideal outcomes. The aim is to help the reader understand these modern repair techniques and the important elements involved in achieving the best possible results.

FAQs

  1. What are the contemporary methods for repairing unilateral and bilateral cleft lip?
  2. What elements of a poor repair can lead to a suboptimal outcome in cleft lip repair?
  3. What techniques are commonly used for the correction of the cleft lip nasal deformity?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cleft lip repair is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include keeping the surgical area clean, avoiding certain foods that may irritate the incision site, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. Additionally, it is important to communicate any concerns or changes in the healing process to the medical team promptly. Following these recommendations can help promote successful outcomes and improve overall satisfaction with the surgical outcome.

Suitable For

Patients with unilateral or bilateral cleft lip are typically recommended cleft lip repair surgery. This includes patients with or without cleft alveolus and with or without cleft palate. The timing of the surgery may vary depending on the individual patient’s needs and the recommendations of their healthcare provider. In general, cleft lip repair is usually performed in early infancy to improve feeding, speech, and facial aesthetics. The goal of cleft lip repair surgery is to restore normal function and appearance of the lip and nose, as well as to improve overall quality of life for the patient.

Timeline

Before cleft lip repair:

  • Prenatal diagnosis of cleft lip may be made during routine ultrasound screenings.
  • After birth, the infant may undergo further evaluations to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the cleft lip.
  • The infant may be referred to a multidisciplinary cleft lip and palate team for comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning.

After cleft lip repair:

  • Cleft lip repair surgery is typically performed when the infant is around 3-6 months old.
  • The surgery involves closing the gap in the lip and reshaping the tissues to create a more normal appearance.
  • After surgery, the infant may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication and careful wound care.
  • Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  • As the child grows, additional surgeries or procedures may be needed to address any residual issues or to improve the appearance of the lip and nose.
  • Speech therapy and other interventions may also be recommended to address any speech or feeding difficulties associated with the cleft lip.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about cleft lip repair may include:

  1. What are the different surgical techniques for repairing a cleft lip, and which one do you recommend for my specific case?
  2. How long will the recovery process be after cleft lip repair surgery, and what can I expect during this time?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with cleft lip repair surgery?
  4. Will I need additional surgeries or treatments in the future to address any remaining issues with my cleft lip?
  5. How will cleft lip repair surgery affect my child’s appearance and functionality in the long term?
  6. What kind of follow-up care will be necessary after cleft lip repair surgery, and how often will I need to see a doctor for check-ups?
  7. What kind of support and resources are available for families dealing with cleft lip and palate conditions?
  8. Can you provide me with before and after photos of previous cleft lip repair surgeries you have performed?
  9. Are there any specific dietary or lifestyle changes I should make before or after cleft lip repair surgery?
  10. How experienced are you in performing cleft lip repair surgeries, and what is your success rate with this procedure?

Reference

Authors: Marcus JR, Allori AC, Santiago PE. Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017 Mar;139(3):764e-780e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000003148. PMID: 28234859