Secondary Cleft Rhinoplasty: A National Survey of Surgical Practice by Accredited Cleft Palate Teams

Patients with cleft lip often undergo a primary rhinoplasty at the time of lip repair, and further surgical correction with secondary cleft rhinoplasty (SCR) is often warranted for improved form and function. The purpose of this study was to better elucidate current practice patterns and trends for how SCR is performed in the United States. METHODS: We administered a survey to team surgeons affiliated with cleft lip and palate care teams approved by the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA). RESULTS: We received responses from 40 ACPA-approved teams for a response rate of 20.7%, with 59 total ACPA team surgeons completing the survey. 88.1% of surgeons perform intermediate cleft rhinoplasties. Among those who perform an intermediate cleft rhinoplasty, the mean age at which they would first consider the procedure is 5.83±2.66 years. The mean age for consideration of definitive cleft rhinoplasty was 15.86 ± 1.73 years. In both unilateral and bilateral cleft lips, a closed approach was more common in intermediate rhinoplasty, while an open approach was more common in definitive rhinoplasty (P < 0.001). The use of autologous grafts was more common in definitive rhinoplasty (P < 0.001), with 65% of respondents utilizing autologous grafts in greater than three-quarters of their procedures. CONCLUSIONS: When comparing intermediate with definitive cleft rhinoplasty, we found significant increase in the use of open techniques, autologous cartilage use for augmentation of the nasal tip, dorsal nasal support, and columellar sup- port. The considerable variability among surgeons highlights the lack of consensus regarding SCR.