A new approach to bilateral cleft lip repair.

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.