Scar Outcome in Unilateral Complete Cleft Lip Repair: A Comparative Analysis of Vertical Lip Lengthening Strategies Using the Rotation-Advancement Concept

Objective: To assess the differences in scar outcomes between modified rotation-advancement techniques proposed by Drs. Mohler and Noordhoff, designed to address issues such as inadequate vertical lip length and scarring on the upper third of the lip in the original rotation-advancement technique. Design: Retrospective single-surgeon (RD) study. Patients: Consecutive non-syndromic children (n = 68) with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate. Interventions: Modified Mohler (columellar backcut reconstructed with C flap; n = 34) and modified Noordhoff (lower, medially-created backcut reconstructed with laterally-based triangular skin flap; n = 34) repairs. Mean outcome measures: Using 12-month postoperative frontal photographs, scar evaluations (overall and superior, middle, and inferior portions of the lip) were appraised by an assessment panel composed by independent professional and nonprofessional raters employing four validated qualitative scar assessment scales: Manchester Scar Scale, modified Scar-Rating Scale, Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale, and Visual Analog Scale. Quantitative computerized photogrammetric scar widths of the superior, middle, and inferior portions of the upper lip were also measured. Results: The modified Noordhoff method showed significantly (all P <.001) better scar quality for the overall scar and superior portion of the scar in all four scales compared to the modified Mohler method, with no significant (all P >.05) difference for the middle and lower portions. No significant difference (all P >.05) was observed for photogrammetric scar width measurements. Conclusion: The modified Noordhoff technique provided better qualitative results for unilateral complete cleft lip-related scars compared to the modified Mohler technique.