Reconstruction of philtrum by strainless suture with symmetrical suture embedding for bilateral complete cleft lip

Objective To explore the effect of the reconstruction of philtrum by strainless suture with symmetrical suture embedding for bilateral complete cleft lip. Methods 19 cases of serious bilateral complete cleft lip were randomly selected and underwent the following therapy: arc-shaped cut was designed on the anterior lip operatively; anatomical dissociation were made in the lateral lip’s muscle and were sutured strainlessly by symmetrical suture embedding. The result was observed postoperatively. Results The incisions in all the 19 cases primarily healed. Satisfactory configurations were achieved in the upper lips either during moving or in still and all philtrums had upper-narrow and infra-wide outline with obvious concave and ridge on them in 18 cases. Only 1 elderly patients got poor treatment effect because of too little tissue in anterior lip. Conclusions Strainless suture through symmetrical suture embedding for Serious bilateral complete cleft lip can achieve a satisfactory contour of philtrums but not for the elderly patients with too little tissue in anterior lip. Key words: Serious bilateral complete cleft lip; Cleft lip repair; Strainless suture with symmetrical suture embedding; Reconstruction of philtrum