Achievement in Nasal Symmetry after Cheiloplasty in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Infants Treated with Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding.

Background: The presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) technique gave a new perspective to presurgical infant orthopedics. Nasal reconstruction presents a challenge for the treating surgeons in case of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). PNAM facilitates the reshaping of the nasal cartilage and molding of maxillary arch preoperatively.

Aims And Objective: The aim and objective of the present retrospective study was to analyze two-dimensional nasal changes before and after PNAM in patients with complete UCLP.

Materials And Method: Twenty-two ULCP patients who underwent PNAM before lip surgery were considered in this study. A series of standard basilar view photographs in 1:1 ratio were taken and linear measurements were done digitally.

Results: After PNAM therapy, there was a significant increase in nostril height ( = 0.003) and highly significant increase in columella length ( = 0.001). There was also a highly significant decrease in nostril width ( = 0.001) and a significant decrease in nasal basal width ( = 0.02).

Conclusion: There was a significant increase in nostril height and columella length and a significant decrease in nostril width and nasal basal width on the cleft side when treated with PNAM therapy in patients with complete UCLP. Hence, this therapy helps in improving the nasal symmetry in such patients and also aids in surgical procedures.