The Furlow Double Opposing Palatoplasty (Z-Plasty) procedure was introduced in 1979. We began using the procedure in 1980 and have used it almost exclusively since that time. The procedure is simple in its concept, combining mucosa and muscle in the form of a z-plasty to reorient the musculature in cleft palate repair. Because a z-plasty is involved, lengthening of the soft palate occurs, and a more functional muscle restoration is achieved than with conventional straight line repairs. The results over the first ten years of its use by our team have been gratifying.