Rhinoplasty in Clefts: An 18-Year Retrospective Review

Cleft rhinoplasty has spurred much interest in literature because of the difficult task in obtaining a normal nasal form, function, and development. The pursuit of perfection has resulted in myriad techniques, modifications, and innovations to optimize results, but no one protocol or algorithm was proved to be completely satisfactory. Controversies still exist in timing, surgical approach, nonsurgical techniques, and outcome assessment. This article submits a humble contribution that might hopefully help in reaching consensus. Throughout a period of 18 years, 800 patients with different ages and types of clefts were managed by single surgeon using various procedures to correct their nasal deformities. These procedures included preoperative naso-alveolar molding, gingivoperiosteoplasty, primary closed or open rhinoplasty, postoperative nasal stents and nasal molding, and secondary open septorhinoplasty. The outcome was judged by panel assessment and computer-assisted anthropometry. Clinical results were satisfactory for most patients, parents, and surgeon panel. Computer-assisted anthropometry proved helpful in outcome assessment and analysis. Cleft rhinoplasty is neither optional nor separable from cleft lip repair. It requires clear perception of the complex pathogenesis and the governing dynamics of the cleft deformity. A perfect nose with no deformity is unusual, but a reasonably good result is attainable when the principles of nasal repair are fully grasped and faithfully applied.