Bilateral Transverse Facial Cleft with Unilateral Complete Cleft Lip and Palate: A Case Report.

Abstract

Background: The simultaneous occurrence of a bilateral transverse facial cleft with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate is extremely rare especially where no syndromic association can be established. This has hardly ever been reported in African population. The management thus, poses a challenge as the sequence and timing of different aspects of care is not fully established.

Case description: We report the clinical and radiographic (craniofacial computed tomographic scan) findings and surgical management of a rare case of bilateral transverse facial cleft with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate highlighting the challenges of providing care.

Treatment: patient had lip repair, lateral cleft repair and palatal repair in that sequence using Millard’s rotational advancement, straight line and the Bardach’s two flap palatoplasty techniques respectively.

Conclusion: Obvious challenges have been documented however; conscious efforts are required to document treatment protocols that can help in diagnosis and treatment of rare facial clefts presentations.