TY - JOUR A1 - Efunkoya, Akinwale A1 - Amole, Olusola A1 - Omeje, Uchenna A1 - Akhiwu, Benjamin A1 - Odunde, Otasowie T1 - Palatal Flap Mobilization in Cleft Palate Repair: A Simplified Technique Y1 - 2019/4/1 JF - Sub-Saharan African Journal of Medicine JO - Sub-Saharan Afr J Med SP - 68 EP - 71 VL - 6 IS - 2 UR - https://www.ssajm.org/article.asp?issn=2384-5147;year=2019;volume=6;issue=2;spage=68;epage=71;aulast=Efunkoya DO - 10.4103/ssajm.ssajm_35_18 N2 - Background: Closure of the cleft palate defect without tension is frequently a challenge. Many surgical techniques exist for cleft palate repair. These techniques mostly inculcate some form of palatal flap mobilization. Adequate mobilization of the palatal flaps can achieve closure without tension, thereby reducing the incidence of palatal fistulae. Aim: This article aims to describe and illustrate a simplified technique of palatal flap mobilization in cleft palate repairs. Materials and method: A descriptive narrative of cleft palatal repair was done with emphasis on a simplified technique for palatal flap mobilization. Variations of this technique for von Langenbeck, Bardach, and isolated soft palatal repairs are also described with illustrations. Conclusion: A simplified technique of palatal mobilization can enhance palatal cleft closure without tension, thereby reducing incidence of palatal fistulas. ER -