“Strategic Application of Anatomical Subunit Approximation Technique for Correction of Complete Unilateral Cleft lip”

Objective: To discuss advantages, disadvantages and strategical application of anatomical subunit approximation technique in complete unilateral cleft lip repair. Design: Analysis of consecutive 28 cases. Setting: A single surgeon experience at a university hospital. Patients: Among 77 patients who underwent cleft lip repair between May 5, 2019 and June 30, 2021, 28 patients with complete unilateral cleft lip who received cheiloplasty by author's technique. Main Outcome Measures: Surgical outcomes were assessed by frontal view medical photographs obtained postoperatively at follow-up visits. Results: The average length difference between cleft and noncleft sides was <10% for transverse lip length and philtral height. Nostril sill height demonstrated about twenty percent of difference with much variable results. Although the one sample t-test revealed that differences exist between the cleft and noncleft side, they were within an acceptable range. Conclusions: Understanding the strengths and limitations of anatomical subunit approximation technique enabled strategic application in complete unilateral cleft lip repair. Satisfactory outcomes were achieved not only regarding the scar placement but also regarding the symmetry of the lips and augmentation of nasal sill.