Vijaya Kumar N1, Rajesh S. Powar2, Sudhir B. M3
BACKGROUND: Cleft lip and palate deformity poses problems at every stage of growth and development of the child. Repair of cleft lip-nose complex is a major challenge for the operating surgeon as well the manner in which the deficient tissues are replenished. The major issue which still remains to be tackled is achieving a acceptable nasal correction. In the quest for tissues to bring about a better repair especially in the region of nostril floor and alar base, the hypertrophied inferior turbinate on the cleft side appears to be a good option.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to evaluate long term aesthetic and morphological outcome of lip and nose in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate deformity.
MATERIALS AND METHOD: A Group of 41 patients were taken in the study and they were randomized into two groups, Study group 21 cases who underwent primary lip repair with inferior turbinate flap and Control Group B, 20 cases without inferior turbinate flap. Age, sex, side of cleft and photographic evaluation of was done at 2 years and above post operatively for nostril height, nostril width, nostril basal width and alar base level.
RESULTS: On photographic evaluation group a showed statistically significant symmetry in the nasal architecture, and the long term follow up of these patients is necessary to comment on the aesthetic outcome.
CONCLUSION: Inferior turbinate flap provides an adequate tissue during nostril floor reconstruction and helped in augmenting the depressed alar base on the cleft side.
