Background/Purpose: Several studies have been developed
to enhance the repair of cleft lip anomaly since it is typically
not sufficient in patients with large gaps in the lips.
Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess the use of
nasoalveolar molding (NAM) as regards the surgical and cosmetic
results following full cleft lip surgery.
Methods: 44 patients were diagnosed with complete cleft
lip and hospitalized to the pediatric surgery department between
May 2018 and May 2020 were included in this study.
They were divided randomly into two groups; the non-NAM
group and the NAM group, each group had 22 patients. Four
distinct times were recorded for magnified basal view facial
photos: The first visit (T1), the period before to cheiloplasty
(T2), the period one month after the cheiloplasty (T3), and the
period six months following cheiloplasty (T4). The following
measurements were taken directly from the pictures: (1) Nostril
height on both sides; (2) Nostril width on both sides; (3)
Columella angle on both sides; and (4) Alveolar gap width.
Photos with a standard 1:1 ratio were captured. Straight linear
measurements were taken on the images.
Results: There was a statistically significant narrowing
of the alveolar gap in the molded group. The study revealed
improved nasal symmetry regarding nasal height, width, and
columella angle in molded groups. There was an improvement
of results up to six months follow-up with no relapse. The hypertrophic
scar risks and notched lip were lower in the molded
group. Vermilion volume homogeneity was better in the NAM
group. Other parameters of surgical interference like time of
surgery, extent of muscle dissection, and surgical difficulty
were in favor of the NAM group.
Conclusions: Presurgical NAM is an effective procedure
in improving the surgical and aesthetic outcomes in complete
cleft lip patients.