Closure of nasal floor by mucosal flaps on the upper lip margin in wide unilateral complete cleft lip.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to explore a simple and reliable method to decrease tension of the nasal floor and guarantee its closure during the repair of wide unilateral complete cleft lip.

METHODS

Using 2 mucosal flaps at the upper lip margin, the tension was decreased efficiently on closure of the nasal floor.

RESULTS

From 2008 to 2010, 45 patients of wide unilateral complete cleft lip received the surgery at 3 to 7 months of age. A follow-up of 3 to 6 months revealed satisfactory restoration of the nasal floor and nasal sill, as well as the inconspicuous scar.

CONCLUSIONS

The technique serves to close the nasal floor with ease and safety, which aids the repair of wide unilateral complete cleft lip.