[Primary rhinocheiloplasty in bilateral incomplete clefts of the upper lip]

Anthropometric examinations of 31 patients with bilateral incomplete clefts of the upper lip revealed an excessive elongation of the lateral fragments and reduced height of the central part of cleft lip. Two methods of primary rhinocheiloplasty are suggested, depending on the degree of prolabium underdevelopment, both of them permitting levelling of the height of the fragments and repair of anatomically correct shape of the upper lip and nose. Preparation and connection of the stumps of the oral orbicular muscle during the operation are conductive to recovery of the function of the upper lip, which is confirmed by electromyography data.