OUTCOME OF MILLARD'S PROCEDURE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF CLEFT LIP IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of Millard's procedure for the treatment of

cleft lip in children.

Material and Methods: This study was conducted on patients with cleft lip at Paediartic Surgery Unit,

Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from January 2001 to December 2003. All patients with cleft lip above 3

months of age and below 2 years of age were included in this study. The rotation-advancement Cleft lip

repair (Millard's) was used. Postoperative course was recorded and any complications occurred were

noted. The results of the procedures were analyzed. They were regularly followed up in the O.P.D and any

problem observed was recorded.

Results: Out of 72 cases of cleft lip, 44 cases (61.1%) had unilateral and 28 cases (38.9%) had bilateral

cleft lip. The age range in males was 3 to 18 months and in females was 3 to 16 months. The left side

cleft lip was more common than the right side and males were affected more than the females. Most of the

complications occurred in the bilateral cleft lip because of the wide cleft protrusive premaxilla and delayed

presentation. The postoperative complications of the cleft lip repair were lip notch formation in 22 cases

(30%), vermillion realignment in 18 cases (25%), partial lip disruption in 8 cases (11%) and wound

infection in 4 cases (5.5%).

Conclusion: The Millard's procedure has very good results especially in unilateral cleft lip.