Objective To evaluate the operative methods and therapeutic effects of nasal septum cartilage-sil ica gel complex for two-stage repair of nasal deformities of unilateral cleft l ip. Methods From June 2001 to June 2007, 38 cases of secondary nasal deformity and septum deviation of cleft l ip were treated with transplanting nasal septum cartilage-sil ica gelcomplex. Among of them, there were 21 males and 17 females, aging 14-23 years with an average of 17.6 years. All cases were with nasal deformities of unilateral cleft l ip, including 21 cases of complete cleft l ip and 17 cases of incomplete cleft l ip. The locations were left side in 26 cases and right side in 12 cases. Nasal deformities were columella nasi deflexion, flattened nasal tip, pteleorrhine and alanasi collapse. The patients received 1-4 times operations, and the interval of two operations was 3-10 years (mean 5.5 years). According to nasal deformity, the nasal septum cartilage of 1.8 cm × 1.2 cm was cut, and transplanted into the nose point phantom surface forming “the shield” to extend nose column and to raise the tip of the nose. At the same time the nasal tip fat-connective tissue flap graft with fat knot was given. After fixation, the nasal alar cartilage and soft tissues were reduced to normal position. Results Primary heal ing of the incisions was achieved in all cases. The nasal deformity was corrected. The postoperative follow-up period was 12-18 months with an average of 15.6 months. All the patients of regional cartilage scars had no compl ication. The figure of nose was sl inky, the height of apex of nose and the shape of nose was natural,the apex of nose, nasal ala, nostrils and nasal columella were satisfactory [(the results were satisfactory in 30 cases (78.9%), general in 8 cases (21.1%)]. The nose department overall esthetics shape was improved in all the patients, no compl ications of the phantom sl iding, shifting and exposure, hemorrhage and infection occurred. Conclusion The nasal septum cartilagesil ica gel complex to repair the nasal deformities of unilateral cleft l ip is an ideal operation style.
