Dingman Cleft Palate Gag

What is this equipment?

Dingman's cleft palate gag. This is made from stainless steel and manufactured by Dixons, late 20th century.

What does it do?

Mouth gags are used to widen and maintain access during a variety of procedures in the oral cavity. In this instance, Dingman’s mouth gag is used for cleft palate repair. Gags go beyond the purpose of acting as mere mouth openers, using a rectangular closed frame in order to apply

pressure to the tongue and operate with more clarity. It is introduced into the mouth with the upper two retractors holding the upper jaw (maxilla) and the lower, bladed retractor holding the tongue, and anaesthetic airway (endotracheal) tube. The two side retractor blades are applied to the inner cheeks to widen the mouth.

Significance to Plastic Surgery

Dingmans pattern is the most commonly used style of cleft palate gag in the UK. Whilst the Dingman paved the way for various more accessible modifications of the mouth gag, it remains an important step in the development of the mouth gag and advancements in cleft palate reconstructive surgery.

Contributor: Idil Longe