Comprehensive correction of secondary unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity using autologous cartilage and supported by septum cartilage

Abstract

Objective To study the surgical method of comprehensive correction of secondary unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity using autologous cartilage and supported by septum cartilage and its outcomes. Methods Our surgery adopted an open approach, fully revealed the deformed alar cartilage and deviated nasal septum cartilage. Part of the nasal septum was removed and made it into various cartilage grafts to repair and reconstruct the columella, nasal tip, nasal alar and nasal dorsal by implanted in the corresponding positions. Results 18 patients with congenital unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity underwent the corrective and reconstructive surgery. The postoperative follow-up was 6-12 months, showing that the malformed nasal appearance came back to normal without obvious scar. The 18 patients did not have associated complications. Conclusions The surgery with a supplementary septal graft achieves good effect, the overall appearance of the malformed nose gets obvious changes, and therefore patients and their families are satisfied with the postoperative nasal shape. Key words: Nasal deformity; Nasal septal cartilage; Autologous cartilage; Cartilage transplantation