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Cleft lip nasal reconstruction using porous high-density polyethylene
Thomas Romo1, Kyle S Choe, Anthony P Sclafani
1Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, 135 E 74th St, New York, NY 10021, USA. docromo@aol.com
Background:
The multitude of factors involved with a unilateral cleft lip nasal defect has spurred various surgical techniques in the past. Recently, synthetic materials have been introduced for use in nasal reconstruction.
Objective:
To report on and illustrate the use of porous high-density polyethylene implants in cleft lip nasal reconstruction.
Design:
A retrospective review of cleft lip nasal reconstruction using porous high-density polyethylene in patients with a unilateral cleft lip defect from January 1, 1993, through June 30, 2000.
Setting:
Facial plastic surgery private practice.
Patients:
Eighteen patients with a unilateral cleft lip without a history of formal rhinoplasty.
Interventions:
All 18 patients required multiple implants, including a columellar strut, premaxillary and prealveolar plumper grafts, a dorsal tip implant, and a unilateral nasal valve batten, using the open rhinoplasty approach.
Results:
Favorable aesthetic results, as judged by one of us (T.R.), were achieved in all patients. All implants were well tolerated. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 months to 7 years. A complication occurred in 1 patient (6%), which resolved with removal of a single implant and intravenous antibiotic therapy. No other complications, including skin erosion or implant extrusion, have been noted.
Conclusions:
Porous high-density polyethylene implants for cleft lip nasal reconstruction are well tolerated and achieve good aesthetic results. Porous high-density polyethylene implants lend stability through fibrovascular ingrowth, with integration of the implants to the surrounding tissue.