Correction of the vestibular web during primary repair of unilateral cleft lip

Background: After repair of cleft lip and nasal deformity, a lateral vestibular web is often evident on submental view. The authors describe the five components of this web (i.e., piriform rim, upper lateral cartilage, lower lateral cartilage, vestibular lining, and alar base) and present their technique for primary nasal correction and prevention. Methods: Labial repair follows the Millard rotation-advancement principle. Nasal correction addresses the vestibular web: (1) centralization of deviated anterocaudal septum; (2) elevation of inferiorly positioned medial crus in the C-flap; (3) endonasal advancement and fixation of displaced alar base; (4) excision of excess vestibular lining; (5) release of tethered lateral crus from the piriform ligament; and (6) anatomical fixation of dislocated lower lateral cartilage to the contralateral middle crus and ipsilateral upper lateral cartilage. Results: Intraoperative dissection exposes the framework of the vestibular web as the lower (caudal) edge of the displaced lateral crus lying beneath expanded vestibular lining. Sixty-two consecutive patients had primary cleft nasal repair focused on the architectural components of the vestibular web. Nostril stenting was not used; the nostril rim scar was hidden and no patients had nostril stenosis. Conclusion: The vestibular web seen after repair of a cleft lip has bony, cartilaginous, and soft-tissue elements and can be prevented during primary correction of the cleft nasal deformity.