HEAD AND NECK RECONSTRUCTION

OUR EXPERIENCE OF PECTORALIS MAJOR MYOCUTANEOUS PEDICLED FLAP

Abstract

Background: The pectoralis major myocutaneous pedicle flap (PMMPF) has been considered to be the "workhorse" of pedicled flaps in head and neck reconstruction. Despite the use of free flaps, this flap is still considered the mainstay of head and neck reconstruction. The flap is usually associated with a high incidence of complications compared with the free fasciocutaneous flaps yet its size, viability, and versatility make it a valuable tool for extending the limits of resectability and reconstruction. It is type V muscle flap with the dominant vascular supply from the pectoral branch of thoracoacromial artery. Objective: To share our experience of pectoralis major myocutaneous pedicle flap in selected cases of head and neck reconstruction. The indications, type of reconstruction and complications of the flap utilization were evaluated. Patients and Methods: Between March 2005 and August 2010, a 37 head and neck reconstructive procedures using the PMMPF were carried out. The indications for the flap use were defects due to resection of stage II-IV cancer in the head and neck region. The site, stage of the disease and the postoperative complications were all documented. Results: Pectoralis major myocutaneous pedicled flap reconstructions were used to reconstruct defects in the following sites: oral cavity (25 patients); oropharynx/ hypopharynx, (7 patients); and neck or face (5 patients). Of the 37 PMMPF reconstructions, 30 flaps were carried out as primary reconstructive procedures, whereas 7 flaps were "salvage" procedures. Twentyfive patients (67.59%) had complications. A higher complication rates were associated with the utilization of the flap as a salvage procedure, number of co- morbidities, and in oral cavity reconstructions. Conclusions: The pectoralis major myocutaneous pedicled flap is still an acceptable method of head and neck reconstruction. It is fast, reliable, provides safe repair and is indicated especially where bulk is needed.