Summary After a short review of the most important surgical measures for the correction of open nasality in patients with cleft palate, our personal surgical technique is described. Using a Z-plasty, the lateral base of the pharyngopalatine arch is swung over upwardly and inwardly in exchange for a mucosal flap from the posterior pharyngeal wall. The palatopharyngeal muscle is thus transformed into an oval muscle sphincter, which actively closes the nasopharynx. The basic idea of the technique corresponds to the Orticochea Procedure in the construction of a dynamic muscle sphincter, but differs from it in its indication as well as in essential technical details. The application of the principles of Z-plasty ensures that no raw surfaces remain postoperatively, and that healing occurs fast and without complication. The indication for operation is limited to secondary treatment of the unfavourably preoperated cicatricial palate with poorly developed muscles. This method has, up to date, been utilised with success in 3 patients. It is being suggested as an alternative for the existing, more exhaustive and complicated procedures which, however, are often less effective.