The surgical repair of macrostomia.
BACKGROUND
Many surgical techniques have been described for the repair of macrostomia. However, most were designed for the repair of unilateral macrostomia. Most reports of repairs involved small numbers of patients. This has not allowed for evaluation of complications and comparison of various techniques.


OBJECTIVE
This study describes a modification of an older technique designed for unilateral macrostomia. Details of the operative technique used for the repair are described, along with the principles underlying the various steps.


METHODS
This study involves 13 patients operated for macrostomia using the same surgical technique. The patients were seen at a recent screening and mass surgery exercise for patients with orofacial and craniofacial deformities.


RESULTS
Eleven patients had bilateral macrostomia; two had unilateral macrostomia. No anesthetic or surgical complications occurred in any of the patients. All patients tolerated the procedure well. Oral continence and acceptable facial symmetry were restored in all patients, with minimal scarring.
Burns and Plasic Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Lagos State University Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.
I O
IO
Fadeyibi
A O
AO
Ugburo
C V
CV
Ogunbanjo
C A
CA
Ilombu
S A
SA
Ademiluyi
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008265:Macrostomia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome