The application of diced cartilage in postoperative nasal deformity of cleft lip surgery

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of diced cartilage in correcting nasal alar base depression after cleft lip surgery. Methods A retrospective study was conducted in 15 patients of nasal deformity after lip surgery from January 2018 to January 2019. All the patients were taken from autologous costal cartilage to reconstruct the outline of nasal malformation, and the remaining autologous costal cartilage was cut into 0.5-1.0 mm pieces and filled into the basilar lacunar space of the nasal alar by the 1 ml syringe whose anterior needle nipples was removed. The effects of visual images before and after operation were compared and analyzed by Adobe Photoshop CS6 software. The patients were followed up for 6-15 months (mean 10months). The satisfaction and complications of the patients were investigated. Results The nasal alar base was significantly elevated and the outline of the nasal deformity was improved in 15 patients after operation. The overall effect was satisfactory and no obvious complications were found. No obvious absorption was found in the follow-up. Conclusions The application of diced cartilage to correct the nasal alar base depression after cleft lip surgery was a feasible method with important clinical value. It advanced in taking good use of the remaining cartilage and reducing the damage to both the donor and recipient area. Key words: Nose, deformity; Cartilage, granule; Nasal alar base