Impact of Definitive Rhinoplasty in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate: Initial Experience at Dr. Gustavo Fricke Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a common congenital malformation re­quiring long-term multidisciplinary care. Definitive rhinoplasty, performed after nasal growth completion, aims to address secondary nasal deformities and enhance both aes­thetic and functional outcomes. Recording patient-reported satisfaction is essential to understand the true impact of surgery. Objectives: To assess patient satisfaction and functional results following definitive rhinoplasty in CLP patients between October 2023 and October 2024 at Hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study in Viña del Mar, Chile, included 10 consenting CLP patients undergoing definitive rhinoplasty with six-month follow-up. Satisfaction was measu­red using the Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) and nasal obstruction via the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale, recording scores preoperati- vely and at six months. Wilcoxon paired test was used for ROE and paired Student’s t-test for NOSE (p < 0.05). Results: Ten patients (6 females, 4 males; mean age 18.5 years) experienced an increase in mean ROE score from 11.8 to 27.0 (mean difference 15.2; p = 0.0029) and a decrease in NOSE score from 62.0 to 21.5 (mean difference -40.5; p = 0.0005). One columellar hematoma occurred and was successfully managed. Conclusions: Definitive rhinoplasty in CLP patients yields significant aesthetic and functional improvements with high patient satisfaction, supporting its role as the final reconstructive procedure.