Effect of Dichotomous Conchal Cartilage Transplantation on Correction of Unilateral Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity

Background: Autologous conchal cartilage is becoming increasingly popular as a source of material for secondary reconstruction. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of dichotomous autologous conchal cartilage transplantation in the treatment of unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity. Methods: Eighteen patients (10 males and 8 females) with unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity treated from August 2018 to August 2019 were selected for the study. The cut C-shaped conchal cartilage was trimmed into a strip shape and a shield shape and transplanted into the alar cartilage and the tip of the nose, respectively. The effect of the operation was evaluated in terms of patient satisfaction, two-dimensional linear quantitative results, and three-dimensional spatial differences after the operation. Results: During follow-up from 6 months to 2 years, the nasal appearance of 18 patients was significantly improved. The postoperative patient satisfaction survey revealed more than 93% satisfaction for each research index. Two-dimensional linear quantitative analysis revealed that the height of the nasal columella and nostril was significantly increased and that the nasal base and breadth were significantly decreased after the operation. Evaluation of the three-dimensional spatial difference between the unaffected side and the affected side before and after the operation revealed a significant decrease in the difference in the soft tissue volume between the unaffected side and the affected side (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Dichotomous autologous conchal cartilage transplantation is an ideal method for the treatment of unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity.