RESUMEN
Background: Platysma myocutaneous flap is one of the methods currently available for reconstruction of small and moderate size defects after head neck cancer resection. Objectives: To investigate the long term results of head and neck reconstruction using platysma myocutaneous flap. Patients and methods: 23 consecutive patients with malignant head and neck neoplasms who underwent radical surgical resections and immediate reconstructions using a platysma myocutaneous flap were reviewed. The flaps were used to repair defects of the following sites: oral cavity in 15 cases and larynx, lip commissure, parotid gland and oropharynx in 2 cases each. Results: In fourteen cases (60.8) there were no flap-related complications. Flap necrosis occurred in 9 (39.1) patients [4 (17.3) partial flap necrosis]. There was no correlation of complications with previous irradiation or facial artery ligation. Conclusion: Platysma myocutaneous flap can be considered among the alternatives for small and moderate size reconstructions after oral cavity, oropharynx and larynx cancer resections, even in patients previously submitted to radiotherapy.