OBJECTIVETo evaluate the symmetry rate of nasal floor width and the influencing factor for the unilateral complete cleft lip (UCCL) after repair with Huaxi technique.

METHODS27 UCCL patients repaired with Huaxi technique were photographed before repair, 1 week and 1 year after surgery. The distance from columella point to facial midline, the nasal floor width and the fissure width were measured. The approach rate of the columella point, the symmetry rate and the change of the nasal floor width were calculated. The statistical analysis was completed by SPSS 13.0.

RESULTSThere was statistical difference of the approach rate for the columella point between 1 week and 1 year after surgery (54.06%, 63.96%; P < 0.05), no statistical difference was found of the symmetry rate for the nasal floor between 1 week and 1 year after surgery (69.12%, 75.93%; P > 0.05). There was statistical difference of the change for nasal floor width between the cleft side and the non-cleft side in a week (P = 0.000), but no statistical difference was found in a year (P = 0.262). The linear correlation was obtained between the distance from columella point to facial midline 1 week after surgery and the distance from columella point to facial midline (r = 0.465, P = -0.014) and the fissure width (r = 0.486, P = 0.010) before surgery. No linear correlation was obtained between other index after surgery and before surgery (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe symmetry rate of nasal floor width is stable after surgery with Huaxi technique, and the growth changes have not significant impact on the effect of the surgery in a short-term.