A LONG-TERM APPRAISAL OF THE UNILATERAL COMPLETE CLEFT-LIP REPAIR - ONE SURGEONS EXPERIENCE

The authors reviewed 85 patients with unilateral complete cleft lip re paired with a low triangular flap technique. Clefts were classified in to four categories, depending on the degree of deformity. The clinical results, as evidenced in standardized slides, were assessed by a prof essional panel using a weighted formula adapted from that devised by W illiams. The Farkas-Lindsay anthropometric technique was also used to measure all dimensions of the lip and nose, with the results calculate d as a ratio of the cleft to normal side. The findings demonstrated th at the method of classification was consistent and reliable. As expect ed, the panel gave the postoperative results of the Simonart's and mil d-degree clefts the highest ratings, with the severe clefts having the lowest. The consultant surgeons awarded the highest marks and the cli nical fellows, the lowest. The residual nasal deformity continues to b e the challenge rather than the lip defect, as evidenced by an average of 1.7 revisionary procedures on the nose compared with 0.7 on the li p. A combination of subjective and objective methods of evaluation has been incorporated into a critical clinical review of these patients.