The Comparison of Different Surgical Techniques Used for Repair of Complete Unilateral Cleft Lip

Linas Zaleckas¹, Laura Linkevičienė¹, Juozas Olekas¹, Nerijus Kutra²

¹Institute of Odontology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, ²Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Lithuania

Key words: unilateral cleft lip; cheiloplasty; rating scale; late results.

Summary. Up to now, many various techniques have been proposed for the repair of complete unilateral cleft lip. The aim of this study was to compare late results of three different surgical techniques (C. Tennison, R. Millard, and J. Olekas) used for the repair of complete unilateral cleft lip and to analyze their advantages and disadvantages.

Material and Methods. Sixty-six patients with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip, alveolus, and palate were examined. For 19 patients (28.8%), cleft lip repair was performed using the Tennison technique; for 20 patients (30.3%), Millard technique; and for 27 patients (40.9%), Olekas technique. Results were assessed by score, which was given by analyzing standardized photographs of nasolabial triangles. For the assessment, the modified scale according to Mortier and Anastassov was used. Separate anatomical elements – red lip, white lip, scars, and nose – were assessed.

Results. The best appearance of the red lip and white lip was found after the Tennison technique. Scars and nose looked the best after Olekas cheiloplasty. There were no significant differences in the evaluation of red lip and nose appearance comparing all three analyzed surgical techniques (P>0.05). Tennison technique showed significantly better results in the appearance of the white lip (P<0.05); the appearance of scars was significantly better after the Olekas repair (P<0.001).

Conclusions. Height of white lip and symmetry of the Cupid’s bow were better restored by using the Tennison technique. The physiological configuration of the white lip and less visible scars were achieved by using the Olekas technique. All techniques were equal in red lip and nose formations.

Correspondence to L. Zaleckas, Vilnius University Hospital Žal­giris Clinics, Žalgirio 117, 08217 Vilnius, Lithuania. E-mail: lzaleckas@gmail.com, linas.zaleckas@zalgirioklinika.lt

Received 19 January 2010, accepted 11 February, 2011