Complete unilateral cleft lip repair: A modification of the Mohler surgical technique

Abstract

Aims: Clefts manifested in cleft lip and palate are one of the most prevalent malformations in the craniofacial region. The objective of this study is to describe the surgical technique for the correction of unilateral cleft lip by means of a modification of the original Mohler technique with the same principle of rotation and advancement that allows us to obtain symmetry and balance on the cleft side. Patients and Methods: Two modifications were made to the original Mohler technique, one established in the preparation of two flaps for the conformation of the floor of the nostril, with which the mucocutaneous limit of the borders of the normal and cleft lip and the conformation of the vermilion were obtained. Using Z-plasty, clinical photographic records of the surgical technique and preoperative records as well as immediate, mediate, and late postoperative of the patients treated in our center were made. Results: In the patients who were treated under these modifications of the Mohler technique, the appropriate height was obtained on the cleft side compared to the healthy side, both 1 week and 1 month after surgery, it was discovered that the patients did not appear a discontinuity in the mucocutaneous line or at the vermilion level, the symmetry relationships at the vermilion level have significant differences in both height and thickness 1 week after surgery that improved at the control 1 month after surgery. Conclusions: The modifications made in the Mohler technique can be applicable and flexible for complete and incomplete clefts, obtaining favorable results in the functional and esthetic parts that allow following the patients with the stage of facial growth.

Keywords

• cleft lip
• mohler's technique
• z-plasty