Difference in nasolabial features between awake and asleep infants with unilateral cleft lip: Anthropometric measurements using three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry.

PURPOSE: Cleft lip repair is performed in the supine position, tilting the head back under general anesthesia. However, postoperative results are evaluated in the upright position while patients are awake. The purpose of this study was to anthropometrically assess whether nasolabial features of infants with unilateral cleft lip are influenced by posture and anesthesia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three-dimensional facial images in a preoperative upright position and operating supine position under general anesthesia were captured from 51 consecutive infants with unilateral cleft lip. Twenty-four indirect anthropometric measurements (11 for the nose and 13 for the lip elements) were considered on each infant.

RESULTS: In the supine position under general anesthesia, alar surface distance was significantly shorter (p < 0.001). Regarding lip measurements, medial lip height of the cleft side and philtrum height were significantly smaller (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively), whereas vermilion height was greater (p < 0.01). In addition, the cleft width and lip width were significantly broader (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) after general anesthesia.

CONCLUSIONS: Several nasolabial alteration patterns are found after general anesthesia that are presumably attributable to cessation of nasal breathing and the action of muscle relaxation. Surgeons should take these nasolabial changes into account during preoperative planning and postoperative assessment.