Rhinoplasty in the cleft-lip patient: a retrospective study

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative results of secondary rhinoplasty in cleft-lip patients.1 Methods. In total 155 patients were evaluated. Series I: n = 52 (1988–94) Five bilateral and 47 unilateral clefts; male/female ratio: 25:27; age: 15–44 years; follow-up: 1–6 years. Series II: with adjusted technique and postoperative treatment (vestibulum device n = 83) n = 103 (1994–2000), 22 bilateral and 81 unilateral clefts; male/female ratio: 54:49; age: 9–52 years; follow-up: 1–5 years. Results. Series I: • subjective and objective functional-aesthetic improvement: 95% • slight to moderate recurrence of the caudal septal deviation: 30% • recurrence of severe vestibular stenosis: 10% Series II: • subjective and objective functional-aesthetic improvement: 98% • slight to moderate recurrence of the caudal septal deviation: 9% • recurrence of severe vestibular stenosis: 2% Considering the results of series I, the surgical technique was adjusted to prevent the recurrence of the caudal septal deviation and a specific postoperative treatment was developed to prevent scar retraction leading to recurrence of severe vestibular stenosis (custom-made vestibulum device). Conclusion. Adjustment of the surgical technique and the use of a custom-made vestibulum device resulted in a considerable improvement of postoperative results of secondary rhinoplasty in the cleft-lip patient.