MODIFIED BILATERAL CLEFT-LIP REPAIR WITH ORBICULARIS RECONSTRUCTION AND PROLABIAL SELF-ELONGATION

Purpose: This article describes the details of a modified method for b ilateral cleft lip repair and presents some examples of patients whose condition was repaired by this technique. Patients and Methods: Sixty -five patients ranging in age from 2 to 5 years were treated with this modified procedure. The method was characterized by prolabial lengthe ning and reconstruction of the orbicularis oris muscle in one stage. R esults: Satisfactory results were achieved with this method. The Cupid 's bow and the central tubercle appeared more natural. None of the pat ients developed dehiscence of the wound. Conclusions: This modified pr ocedure is of special value for complete bilateral cleft lip patients with a short prolabium. The long-term effect of muscle reconstruction on maxillary growth remains to be evaluated.