Λαγοχειλία

A common anomaly of the lips, known since the 2nd century BC, when the famous Greek physician Galen was the first to describe it as “lagouchalia”. In 1575, the French surgeon Ambroise Pare, reintroduced the name as laryngocholalia. The first known case of successful correction of labiaplasty was in China in 390 BC. Since then many closure techniques have been described and applied on a case-by-case basis.

It occurs with a frequency of 1:1000 births. Genetic, racial, hereditary factors, maternal age, infections during pregnancy (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus infection) are implicated. The view that the aetiology of the disease is multifactorial seems to be the most correct. The larynx may be unilateral or bilateral, partial or complete. The cleft upper lip may be in the form of an impression or may divide the upper lip over its entire height. There is a nasal anomaly (malformation of the unilateral pterygoid cartilage).

Plastic surgery is the only solution. The goal is to close the cleft and create a functional upper lip with a normal appearance. As a rule, corrective operations of the lip and nose are needed later in adolescence.

Morphogenetic Deficiencies: this is a failure to fully form an organ. This group includes the various types of agenesis, hypoplasia, syndactyly, clefts, etc.

Cumulative malformations: characterised by supernumerary tissues, e.g. polydactyly

Abnormalities: this term is used for a group of lesions that are on the borderline of true neoplasia, e.g. nevi, haemangiomas, etc.

Prenatal screening of the foetus in high-risk parents is a prerequisite for the early diagnosis of congenital anomalies.The possibilities of their surgical treatment, as well as the impact on quality of life, are determined by a team of specialists, including the plastic surgeon. In severe and incurable cases, termination of pregnancy is the only way out.

The role of the Plastic Surgeon, in their treatment, is very important, since he is called upon to provide a solution to difficult cases and to offer a good result, both functional and aesthetic.

Congenital anomalies constitute a large chapter in Plastic Reconstructive Surgery.