Objective: To evaluate the results of a single stage composite cleft septorhinoplasty procedure ("The Gujrat Technique") to correct the exaggerated cleft nose deformity after completion of nasal growth in an adult patient cohort.
Methods: Adult patients with a residual unilateral cleft nasal deformity were deemed eligible for the proposed "Gujrat Technique". Over a 10-year period (2007-2017), 96 adult patients underwent this composite cleft septorhinoplasty as a single stage operation. Post-operative nasal symmetry evaluation was undertaken using the validated computer program 'SymNose'. Functional outcome and patient satisfaction were assessed using Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale and Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) questionnaires respectively. Various statistical analysis methods were used to validate the obtained results.
Results: Due to poor compliance with follow-up, post-operative assessments were undertaken in only 32 patients. The single group study design using the non-parametric matching pairs Wilcoxon Sign test (p < 0.001) showed overall good to excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes and higher scores of the digital SymNose grading system. There was a significant improvement in ROE scores (from 26.4 ± 2.9 to 85.9 ± 4.7, p < 0.001). There were no major complications or revisions needed in our series.
Conclusion: The individual components of "The Gujrat Technique" are not novel but their combination in this adult unilateral cleft rhinoplasty cohort has demonstrated a high patient satisfaction with its aesthetic appeal and functional versatility. In the background of limited resources and unpredictable patient follow up, the simplicity, reproducibility and cost effectiveness of this technique make it a practical reconstructive option.
Keywords: Cleft nose deformity; lower lateral cartilage; septorhinoplasty; unilateral cleft lip & palate; upper lateral cartilage.