Abstract
To examine the clearing function of the cleft palate nose, mucociliary transportation rates of the nasal floor were measured on the side of the cleft.
Following palatoplasty in 10 cases of complete cleft palate, mucociliary transportation rates measured by nasal scintigraphy were found to be significantly lower than normal. On the other hand, in one case of incomplete and one of soft palate cleft, transportation rates were normal.
Nasal fiberscopy and pathological study showed granulomas with nonciliated stratified squamous epithelium on the nasal floor in all cases of complete cleft palate, but not in other types of cleft palate.
The formation of granulomas and reduced mucociliary function of the nasal floor probably reduce the clearing function of the cleft palate nose.
