Nuance in Bilateral Cleft Lip Repair

Nuance in Bilateral Cleft Lip Repair:

The management of patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate requires an understanding of anatomy and a focus on function. Comprehensive care in a collaborative multidisciplinary setting is crucial for the future development of these children. The operative technique begins with meticulous measurement and creation of symmetry to set the foundation for successful repair. In severely wide or asymmetric cases, preoperative orthopedics can be used to narrow the cleft prior to surgery. Consistency of design, anticipation of future growth and critical evaluation of results are essential for a cleft surgeon to obtain the best result.