Subtotal premaxillectomy; a salvage procedure in selected cases of bilateral cleft lip and palate.

Subtotal premaxillectomy with preservation of the posterior plate of the premaxilla and the premaxillary-vomerine suture line was carried out in six selected cases of severe bilateral cleft lip and palate between the ages of four and eight years. The long term results are shown and it is concluded that although the procedure does not seem to affect mid-facial growth adversely, it should be reserved for very selective cases and only as a last resort.