[Trilobate technique, a new principal to repair cleft lip]

Abstract

Objective: To develop a new method for reparation of cleft lip, and to evoke more colleagues for advance practices and study, in order to determine her indication and contraindication as soon as possible.

Methods: 48 cases were included into this study. Trilobate flap were designed in floor of nose and lip area in cleft side, rotate two of the three flaps upwards, respectively to elevate the tip of nose, and to reconstruct the floor of nose. As for the left flap, it was derived transversally to opposing side, sutured with the flap of non-cleft-side.

Results: With this technique, less tissue was lost, better vertical lengthening and good formed cuspids-bow was achieved, and the scar was a parallel line being symmetry to the philtrum column opposite. Meanwhile, because the tension was mainly located in the area where there was no mini flaps, the blood supply was good enough, rarely occur any necrosis in the tip of flaps. All cases in this study obtained perfect healing, with good appearance at nostrils and floor of nose.

Conclusions: In use of the method of trilobate flap, we can draw down the peak of the cuspids bow effectually, hence avoid the addition cut in the lower part of the lip, decrease the scar on skin, as well as nice reconstruction of floor of nose, philtrum column and nostril. Because lack of long term study, we evoke more colleagues for cooperation in advance study.