Influence of vomer flap on craniofacial growth in patients with cleft lip and palate: A systematic review

Abstract

The aim of this review was to evaluate the impact of the vomer flap on craniofacial growth in patients with cleft lip and palate. The review was conducted according to the PRISMA checklist and is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO — CRD42018095714). Two investigators performed the research using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases for studies published until November 2018. The focused question was ‘Does the vomer flap have a lesser impact on craniofacial growth in patients with cleft lip and palate?’. A total of 13 articles was selected for this review, comparing the vomer flap technique with other flap surgery techniques. The outcomes analyzed were: facial development (primary outcome); and the growth of the maxilla and mandible, occlusion, occurrence of fistula, and speech development (secondary outcomes). It was concluded that there is no difference in impact between vomer flap and the other flap surgery techniques on craniofacial development.