Modifications of the Furlow Palatoplasty (Six-... : Archives of Otolaryngology -- Head & Neck Surgery (original) (raw)

Objective

To assess and compare the Furlow palatoplasty, a modified Furlow palatoplasty, and traditional palatoplasty methods.

Design

A retrospective analysis of the results.

Main Outcome Measures

Cases were evaluated for operating time and complications, including oronasal fistula and blood loss.

Results

There were no fistulas in any of the 19 patients who were included in our study. The modified Furlow palatoplasty was found to increase operating time and blood loss.

Conclusion

The use of the modified Furlow palatoplasty is feasible in select cases; however, this technique increases operating time and blood loss, which must be balanced against the theoretical advantages of increased palatal function with the Furlow palatoplasty.

(Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1995;121:1101-1104)