Autologous Costal Cartilage With Expanded Polytetrafluorethylene (ePTFE) Implants for the Treatment of Nasal Deformity After Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair

Abstract

Objective: To repair and reconstruct the secondary nasal deformity after unilateral cleft lip repair, we used autologous costal cartilage and expanded polytetrafluorethylene (ePTFE) to get a better nasal shape. Method: Nineteen patients with nasal deformity after unilateral cleft lip repair were treated from July 2018 to July 2021. During the operation, autologous costal cartilage was carved and formed and then implanted into the nasal tip and nasal columella, while the back of the nose was raised with ePTFE. Result: Nineteen cases were followed up for 6 to 30 months. No transplanted cartilage and swelling were exposed or discharged. The appearance was good, and the patients were satisfied. Conclusion: Autologous costal cartilage combined with ePTFE is an ideal treatment for nasal deformity after cleft lip repair.

Minimally Invasive Harvesting Technique for Costal Cartilage Graft: Donor Site, Morbidity and Aesthetic Outcomes

“…Cleft palate repair: Costal cartilage grafts can be used to repair cleft palate defects, which occur when the roof of the mouth doesn't fully develop. The grafts can help create the necessary support and structure for the palate and can be used in combination with other tissue or bone grafts [5];…”

“…Despite the well-known drawbacks of this surgical technique, there is ongoing debate in literature. Bone grafts are also described in literature, mainly in combination with cartilage graft to ensure reconstruction of great deformity and represent a more difficult method with a higher complication rate, reserved only for selected cases [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. The aim of this study is to illustrate a minimally invasive technique, effective at harvesting costal cartilage and useful in guaranteeing minimally unaesthetic surgical scars.…”