Prevalence and Patterns of Secondary Lip and Nasal Deformities Following Primary Cleft Lip Surgery in Patients Operated at Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College
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Date
2025-12-29
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Introduction: Cleft lip repair frequently results in secondary lip and nasal deformities that impact aesthetic appearance and functional outcomes. These deformities vary by region and surgical technique, and their prevalence is particularly understudied in East African settings. In this study, I evaluate the prevalence, severity, and predictors of secondary deformities in patients with cleft lip treated at Y12 HMC.
Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 202 patients who had primary lip repair and returned for follow-up. Data were collected on demographics, cleft type, surgical technique, perioperative characteristics, postoperative lip and nasal outcomes, and parental satisfaction. Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors of postoperative deformities and the need for revision surgery.
Results: The majority of patients were male (63.9%), and unilateral clefts were most common (75.7%). Millard repair was used in 95.5% of cases. Moderate to severe lip deformities were observed in 62.4% of patients, while 54.5% demonstrated moderate to severe nasal deformities, including nostril asymmetry and columella shortening. Primary rhinoplasty was performed in only 37.1% of patients. Significant predictors of deformities included mucosal excess, scar quality, type of cleft, age at primary repair, primary rhinoplasty, nostril symmetry, and columella appearance. Parents satisfaction with postoperative outcomes remained high despite the prevalence of deformities.
Conclusion: Secondary cleft lip and nasal deformities are frequent among patients treated at Y12 HMC. The findings highlight the need for timely surgical intervention, improved soft-tissue handling, and broader incorporation of primary nasal correction to reduce long-term aesthetic and functional complications. Strengthening follow-up and outcome assessment may further enhance cleft care quality
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Congenital cleft lip, secondary deformity, primary repair, surgical revision.