Dr. Juna Gurung
Clinical Fellow
Topic
Journal Reading
About Robert Mann's technique in palatoplasty
Robert Mann’s technique for primary palatoplasty combines Furlow’s Double Opposing Z-Plasty (DOZP) with bilateral buccal myomucosal flaps to repair wider cleft palates without lateral relaxing incisions. The technique aims to achieve tension-free closure, restore palatal muscle anatomy, lengthen the soft palate, and improve velopharyngeal function. Evidence from retrospective studies, MRI analyses, and cohort studies demonstrates low fistula rates, favorable speech outcomes, and improved velopharyngeal competence. Although preliminary findings suggest minimal adverse effects on maxillary growth, robust evidence confirming superiority over conventional techniques remains limited. Overall, the approach is a promising option for managing wide cleft palates.