A Systematic Review: Early Simultaneous Vomer Flap with Primary Cleft Lip Repair, Does it Bring More Benefits?

INTRODUCTION: Vomer flap is a technique to close cleft lip and palate. This technique is a simple procedure that has many benefits. However, the vomer flap's application together with primary lip closure is still questionable. OBJECTIVE: To find out whether the vomer flap's application in primary cleft lip repair can provide significant benefits. DESIGN: A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA methodology has been licensed in PROSPERO databases (CRD42023399487). SETTING: A comprehensive search was set out, utilizing eight data sources up to March 2023. PARTICIPANTS: Both cohort studies and randomized control trials regarding the use of vomer flaps performed concurrently with cleft lip repair in children up to six months old. RESULTS: This article involved 8 studies involving 542 patients who met the inclusion criteria, consisting of 6 retrospective cohort studies, 1 RCT study, and 1 prospective cohort study. Vomer flaps provide a reduction in palatal cleft distance of 3-5 mm, a relatively small number of fistulas (0-4%), improvement of velopharyngeal function (nasal tone and nasal emission), maximal development of the maxilla although it is still controversial. CONCLUSION: The vomer flap's application in primary cleft lip repair provides many advantages, such as reduced palatal and alveolar clefts, decreased risk of oronasal fistula, increased velopharyngeal function, and increased maxillary growth. It is reliable for the management of cleft lip and palate.