Isolated Bilateral Macrostomia: Case Series and Review of Literature

Abstract

Macrostomia is a rare congenital anomaly of the face, especially the isolated type. This report aims to document our experience inmanaging this rare pathology.
All consecutive cases of children managed for isolated bilateral macrostomia at the Jos
UniversityTeachingHospitalwere retrospectively reviewed. Five patients, aged between 10 weeks and 30 months were managed. They were all females and presentedwith bilateral symmetrical transverse lateral facial cleft (macrostomia). There were no associated anomalies, and no family history of facial clefts or any other congenital
anomaly. All the patients had repair of the defect under a general anaesthesiawith satisfactory outcome. Macrostomia can present as an isolated entity.
The final outcome of the repair depends on the technique of repair, function of the orbicularis oris muscle and the quality of scar.

Keywords: Macrostomia; Facial cleft;Neocommissure.

African Journal of Paediatric Surgery Vol. 4 (1) 2007: pp. 41-45