Repair of unilateral and bilateral cleft noses--an experience of 103 cases

The following is our experience with the correction of 103 uni- and bilateral cleft noses at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Münster from 1982 to 1989. The typical features of this kind of nose deformity, certain surgical aspects, the aesthetic and functional postoperative results as well as perioperative rhinomanometric findings are reported. To achieve optimal results in these cleft cases, which should be carried out by an experienced maxillofacial surgeon, we recommend: 1. A one-step nose repair, which will be not only aesthetic but also give improved function. 2. Avoiding interference with any primary repair of a cleft palate. 3. Simultaneous secondary cleft lip and palate correction in order to minimize hospital admissions.