Early results and experience with Furlow double opposing Z-plasty

Since the establishment of the Cleft Centre in Bratislava efforts have been made to introduce new progressive operative techniques intended to improve both functional and aesthetical results of the procedures. As a consequence of these efforts the Langenbeck and Veau techniques used for ten years were in the 70-ties replaced with the Wardill-Kilner technique based on the "push-back" principle. The most recent trend in the palate repair is the Furlow double opposing Z-plasty used since 2002. The article is focused on the early results and experience with the Furlow palatoplasty. (Fig. 6, Ref. 18.).