Effect of Simultaneous Vomerine Flap and Lip Repair on the Palatal Dimensions in Unilateral Complete Cleft Lip and Palate Patients

Abstract

Purpose: to evaluate the effect of simultaneous vomerine flap and lip repair on the palatal dimensions in unilateral complete cleft lip and palate patients. Patients and Method: this study included 12 patients complaining of primary unilateral complete cleft lip and palate. They were classified randomly into two groups: Group I: included 6 cases, in which simultaneous cleft lip and hard palate repair was done using single layer vomerine flap. Group II: included 6 cases, in which separate repair of cleft lip and hard palate was done. Syndromic patients and patients with previous trial of repair were excluded. Results: showed reduction in A-A` alveolar cleft width and C-C` anterior palatal width occurred in both groups, while E-E` posterior palatal width increased in group 1 and decreased in group2 and the reverse occurred in BZ antro-posterior palatal width. Conclusion: Vomer flap is an easy, safe technique, with less time consuming and provides complete healing with less fistula formation.