Cleft Rhinoplasty: Does Timing and Utilization of Cartilage Grafts Affect Perioperative Outcomes?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology and perioperative complications of different reconstructive strategies to correct cleft nasal deformity, with particular attention paid to type and timing of cartilage grafting. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study was conducted of cleft rhinoplasty performed between 2012 and 2017 in North America utilizing the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program- Pediatric hospital network. Medical/surgical complications, reoperations, and readmissions within 30 days postoperatively were analyzed with appropriate statistics. RESULTS: During the study interval, 3317 pediatric patients underwent cleft rhinoplasty, with 8.0% involving the use of cartilage grafts. Ear cartilage was significantly more commonly used for intermediate repair, whereas rib cartilage was more commonly used for late repair (P=0.006). Overall, rhinoplasties with ear cartilage grafts had shorter procedure durations than those without cartilage grafts (P=0.005), whereas those with rib cartilage grafts had increased procedure duration (P<0.001). The use of cartilage grafts was not associated with increased complications in either intermediate or late cleft rhinoplasty. Patients with bilateral clefts were more likely to undergo rhinoplasty with cartilage grafts overall (P=0.047) and with cartilage grafts for late reconstruction (P=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Ear cartilage is most frequently utilized for intermediate repair, whereas rib cartilage is most frequently utilized for late repair during cleft rhinoplasty. Ear cartilage grafts are associated with significantly decreased procedure duration, whereas rib cartilage grafts are associated with significantly increased procedure duration. Not surprisingly, cleft rhinoplasty is relatively safe, with a 2% overall short-term complication rate.