Evidence-based medicine: Unilateral cleft lip and nose repair

After reading this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe the anatomical malformations found in unilateral cleft lip deformity. 2. Discuss current methods of measuring the deformity and subsequent outcomes. 3. Discuss preoperative assessments, workup, and the use of early interventions before definitive cheiloplasty (e.g., preoperative orthopedics, lip adhesion). 4. Discuss the different techniques used for cheiloplasty and nasal repair. 5. Discuss the use of postoperative splints, taping, or molding. 6. Discuss the outcomes and evidence of cleft lip repairs and identify areas for future research.

The Maintenance of Certification module series is designed to help clinicians structure their individualized course of study to specific areas appropriate to their clinical practice. This article was prepared to accompany practice-based assessment of preoperative evaluation, anesthesia, surgical treatment plan, perioperative management, and outcomes. In this format, the clinician is invited to compare his or her methods of patient assessment and treatment, outcomes, and complications, with authoritative, information-based references. This information base is then used for self-assessment and benchmarking in parts II and IV of the Maintenance of Certification process of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This article is not intended to be an exhaustive treatise on the subject. Rather, it is designed to serve as a reference point for further in-depth study by review of the reference articles presented.