A Review of Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery *

  Operative techniques for unilateral cleft lip and palate have undergone continuous development, with improvement and modification, during the last three decades. The author's operation began with Tennison's method and gradually changed into a narrower and long triangular flap method. The edge of the orbicularis oris muscle on the cleft side is tucked under the center of the philtral dimple to obtain muscles linkage and a philtral ridge on the affected side. The longitudinal line is sutured with meticulous subcuticular stitches using 6–0 Nylon, resulting in a neat scar. Relationship between vertical height of lip and width of triangular flap was examined in follow‐up studies. Flap width increased rapidly for one year after surgery and then slowed down to a pace proportionate with lip height. Although ratio of flap width to height increased from 27% to 40%, the balance of both sides of the lip did not, as had been thought might be possible, change. Correction of the cleft lip nose by the triangular flap method is rather difficult. It is considered natural for many surgeons to prefer a combination of the rotation‐advancement flap and small triangular flap. Much remains to be discussed regarding cleft palate treatment. Author prefers closure of the hard palate using a vomer flap in the primary cleft lip operation because the most effective push‐back of the palate, without fistulae, is achieved. Underdevelopment of lip and maxilla should be evaluated from many aspects, and with a long‐term view.