ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the method to correct nasal deformity of the bilateral complete cleft lip and to eveluate the benefits of this teachnique.Methods Sixteen patients with the bilateral complete cleft lip were consecutively chosen to correct the nasal deformity of the bilateral complete cleft lip.We performed an open approach to facilitate alar cartilage manipulation while repairing the bilateral complete cleft lip,and elevated the prolabial flap for reconstructing the continuity of orbicularis oris musele artery by anatomizing and protecting the prolabial-columellar artery.Nasal columella length and wideth,nasal wideth,ratio of nasal length to face length,ratio of nasal wideth to the distence of nasolabial angle were analyzed after a minimum of 10 years after surgery.These were compared with those in a normal,age-matched control group.Results Appreance of nose and lip of 16 patients after surgery were satisfying and long-term results were good by following-up for 10 years.Columellar length and ratio of nasal length to face length were not significantly different from that of the control group.Nasal wideth,columella wideth,tip projetion and nasolabial angle were all significantly greater in the cleft group than the normal (P＜0.05).Conclusions Prolabial flap manipulation is a safe approach by using anatomizing the columellar-labial artery.This teachnique is effective and yields good long-term results.