A Modified and Refined Classification System for Secondary Cleft Nasolabial Deformities

Abstract

Secondary cleft lip (CL) deformities are commonly encountered in cleft management. Various attempts have been made to create a classification system that can comprehensively encapsulate residual CL deformities after primary repair. The aim of this study is to reinforce valid classification systems and to introduce a new classification subtype (Type V Revision). A longitudinal retrospective analysis was done in 35 outreach programs in 4 countries (Ecuador, Lebanon, Peru, and El Salvador) between 2015 and 2023. Two hundred sixty-nine patients, between the ages of 9 months and 45 years, with residual CL deformities after primary lip repair, were classified into one of the 5 classification types. Patients with syndromes were excluded from the study. Patients received one of 5 revision types depending on their initial preoperative evaluation and intraoperative analysis of anatomic involvement. The mean age at surgery was 12.86 years. Twenty-five patients received type I revision, 29 patients received type II revision, 81 patients received type III revision, 106 patients received type IV revision, and 28 patients received type V revision. As the surgical complexity advanced from type I to V, there was a gradual increase in the average surgical time. The Congruence between preoperative and postoperative revision types was substantial. Residual CL defects cause a significant burden on both the patient and cleft care provider. This classification system, with the newly introduced type V revision, enhances and eases the categorization and management of secondary CL deformities.