Lan Sook Chang1, Yoosung Son, Rong-Min Baek, Baek-Kyu Kim. 1. From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Numerous methods exist for repairing unilateral cleft lips and mainly focus on cutaneous design to achieve sufficient rotation of the medial (M) cleft lip and produce a natural Cupid's bow and philtrum. However, precise nasal floor reconstruction has not been described in detail. This is the first study to introduce a technique for repairing complete unilateral cleft lips with a focus on nasal floor reconstruction. METHODS: In our technique, "Straight-Line Advanced Release Technique (StART)," the nasal floor is considered a 3-dimensional cuboid structure; the M mucosal and lateral (L) mucosal flaps constituted the posterior surface. The M flap became the roof of the orbicularis oris muscle sling and the posterior side of the nasal lining. The B flap met the L lip flap at the superior border of the M flap, and together they formed the roof and anterior surface. The B flap also formed a transitional zone connecting the columella and nasal floor. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients with complete unilateral cleft lip were treated from 2003 to 2015. The difference in the height of the nostril sills between the cleft and non-cleft sides was not significantly different from that in control patients (P = 0.472) 1 year postoperatively. Twenty operations for secondary deformities were performed: 8 for nose deformities not involving the nasal floor. The transverse scar at the alar base was concealed within the nostril. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal floor reconstruction is important in complete unilateral cleft lip repair. Our technique provides a naturally shaped, symmetrical nasal floor without conspicuous scarring.
BACKGROUND: Numerous methods exist for repairing unilateral cleft lips and mainly focus on cutaneous design to achieve sufficient rotation of the medial (M) cleft lip and produce a natural Cupid's bow and philtrum. However, precise nasal floor reconstruction has not been described in detail. This is the first study to introduce a technique for repairing complete unilateral cleft lips with a focus on nasal floor reconstruction. METHODS: In our technique, "Straight-Line Advanced Release Technique (StART)," the nasal floor is considered a 3-dimensional cuboid structure; the M mucosal and lateral (L) mucosal flaps constituted the posterior surface. The M flap became the roof of the orbicularis oris muscle sling and the posterior side of the nasal lining. The B flap met the L lip flap at the superior border of the M flap, and together they formed the roof and anterior surface. The B flap also formed a transitional zone connecting the columella and nasal floor. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients with complete unilateral cleft lip were treated from 2003 to 2015. The difference in the height of the nostril sills between the cleft and non-cleft sides was not significantly different from that in control patients (P = 0.472) 1 year postoperatively. Twenty operations for secondary deformities were performed: 8 for nose deformities not involving the nasal floor. The transverse scar at the alar base was concealed within the nostril. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal floor reconstruction is important in complete unilateral cleft lip repair. Our technique provides a naturally shaped, symmetrical nasal floor without conspicuous scarring.