The relevance of extracorporeal septoplasty in cleft nose correction

The aim of this paper is to delineate the importance of the correction of the nasal septum when attempting to improve the nasal shape and function in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) deformity. The particular problems of the nasal shape in CLP patients are assessed. Various approaches for adequate correction are reviewed and discussed. The method of extracorporeal septoplasty is presented in detail. This method was used between 1982 and 1997 in 141 out of 332 CLP patients who required septoplasties and appears particularly suited for this purpose since it offers the possibility of reconstructing an almost normal septum. This is necessary in order to achieve both a functionally and an aesthetically good result. Our experience over the past 16 years confirms the advantages of this approach.