Surgical Nasal Stent Fabrication Using Innovative Multisegmental Cast to Rehabilitate Anatomic and Functional Dynamicity of Upper Airway: A Case Report.

[AIM] The purpose of this case report is to provide a simple, efficient, and novel technique for fabricating a nasal stent utilizing a multisegmental cast to rehabilitate the anatomic and functional dynamicity of the upper airway following primary cleft lip and primary rhinoplasty surgery.

[BACKGROUND] Nasal deformity is often associated with congenital unilateral or bilateral cleft lip and palate. Despite primary nasal reconstruction at the time of definitive lip repair, the long-term postoperative outcome of the nasal correction frequently falls short of the surgeon's or patient's expectations. This condition is more prevalent in the Asian population due to undeveloped, thin alar cartilage and thick skin.

[CASE DESCRIPTION] A 4-month-old female infant was referred from the Department of Plastic Surgery for the fabrication of a nasal stent after surgical cleft lip repair with nasal reconstruction. A customized nasal stent using a multisegmental cast followed by relining with tissue conditioner was planned to minimize relapse of the nasal defect.

[CONCLUSION] The technique described in the present case for nasal stent fabrication is simple, cost-efficient and innovative. Postoperative use of this nasal stent helps to maintain the corrected position of the nose after primary lip and nasal correction, resulting in significantly improved esthetic results.

[CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE] Nasal surgical correction deteriorates over time, especially within the 1st year of surgery due to tissue memory and contraction of the scar tissue. Hence a nasal stent should be worn after the surgery to maintain the corrected nasal form.

[HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE] Singh S, Rathee M, Alam M, Surgical Nasal Stent Fabrication Using Innovative Multisegmental Cast to Rehabilitate Anatomic and Functional Dynamicity of Upper Airway: A Case Report. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-2):S220-S223.