[Correction of secondary bilateral cleft lip deformity - outcome evaluation]

One of the methods for correction of "whistle" deformity following a primary bilateral cleft lip repair is a Skoog procedure. It consists of orbicularis oris muscle mobilization and suture following vermilion closure in a V-Y manner. The aim of the study was to evaluate late results of Skoog procedure in "whistle" deformity correction.

Between 2000 and 2009 12 patients with whistle deformity underwent Skoog procedure. All of them were operated by the same surgeon. Aesthetic outcome in terms of lip fullness, symmetry and overall appearance was evaluated by patient and three independent examiners in four-point scale (1 - dissatisfied, 4 - very good). Pre- and postoperative vertical vermilion height was calculated bydigital analysis of photographs. in addition, complications and patient problems such as lip pain, microstomia, smiling or speech disturbances and scabbing of malpositioned wet vermilion were recorded.

Six patients (4 men, 2 women, aged 23-44 years, mean 29 years) were included into the study. The average follow-up was 69.5 months. Patients higher evaluated overall appearance (mean 3.83) than symmetry (mean 3.16) and lip fullness (mean 3.16). Lip symmetry evaluated by independent examiners was assessed higher (mean 3.5) than overall appearance (mean 3.33) and lip fullness (mean 3). Digital analysis of photographs shows that mean vertical vermilion height increased after Skoog procedure from 34 to 142% (mean 71.5%). Besides acceptable scabbing of malpositioned wet vermilion no complications and patient problems occurred.

Skoog procedure provided a simple and reliable option for the correction of "whistle" deformity.