title: A new approach to bilateral cleft lip repair.
abstract: The basis of this new approach to bilateral cleft lip repair is the emphasis placed on a thorough understanding of the deformity itself and a detailed knowledge of the normal anatomy of the upper lip, especially that of the philtrum. A population survey has been carried out to determine what the normal philtral dimensions are at the different age groups relevant to the operation milestones in cleft lip surgery. A separate study to determine the histological basis of the philtral configuration has also been carried out. Based on the results obtained from these separate studies, a new approach and technique of bilateral cleft lip repair has been developed and applied to a series of 42 consecutive cases operated on by the author during the past 5 years.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002971:Cleft Lip / Q000601:surgery*; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008046:Lip / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013536:Suture Techniques