Simultaneous reconstruction of columella and philtrum using prolabial flap combined with Abbe flap in secondary bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformity

Abstract

Open rhinoplasty and Abbe flap techniques are traditionally useful tools for the reconstruction of secondary bilateral cleft lip nasal (BCLN) deformity. We aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes of simultaneous columella and philtrum reconstruction using prolabial flap combined with Abbe flap in secondary BCLN deformity. From January 2009 to July 2014, 26 patients (17 males and 9 females; mean age 21 years) with secondary BCLN deformity were recruited. All patients had severe short columella and philtrum deficiency. The whole superiorly based prolabial flap was harvested and trimmed for columella reconstruction. An Abbe flap from the central lower lip was elevated to reconstruct the esthetic philtral unit. No flap necrosis occurred postoperatively. The average follow-up was 2.7 years. The columella length was 4.7 ± 1.3 mm preoperatively and 10.4 ± 2.1 mm postoperatively. The philtrum length increased to 14.4 ± 2.6 mm postoperatively from a preoperative 8.9 ± 2.4 mm. Regarding the overall impression of the reconstruction, 22 patients ranked it as very good or good. In secondary BCLN deformity, the prolabial flap combined with Abbe flap technique is an effective alternative for the treatment of severe short columella complicated with severe philtrum deficiency.

Keywords: Abbe flap; Columella reconstruction; Philtrum reconstruction; Prolabial flap; Secondary bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity.