Furlow double-opposing z-plasty.

First described in 1978 by Furlow for the repair of a cleft soft palate, the double-opposing z-plasty, also known as the Furlow palatoplasty, is an excellent procedure for repairing a submucous cleft. It is also useful in patients with touch closure who simply need lengthening of the soft palate and as an option for patients with anomalous carotid vasculature where pharyngeal flaps and sphincter pharyngoplasty are precarious. The primary aims of this chapter are to provide the clinician with indications for when to consider utilizing the Furlow palatoplasty and to give a stepwise description of how to perform the procedure.