Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for reconstruction of major neck defects

ABSTRACT

To analyze results of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap used for reconstruction in massive neck trauma patients. Descriptive case series study. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur, from April 2010 -April 2014. Patients who were brought with major tissue defects in neck either due to trauma or surgeries done due to malignant lesions were enrolled. Patients with diabetes mellitus, renal or hepatic dysfunction were excluded. Those with active infection were also not subjected to this surgical procedure. Pectoralis major flap was taken based on longitudinal artery for reconstruction of neck. In those cases where history of extensive trauma or neck dissection was present, flap was based on thoracoacromial vessel. Complications during hospital stay and at follow up were recorded. Aesthetic and functional assessments of the patients were done at each follow up. Twelve patients were selected for the procedure. The age ranged from 15 year to 55 year. In six cases the soft tissue loss was due to electric burns while three were victims of road traffic accidents. Three [25%] patients developed complications including flap necrosis and hematoma of donor site in one case each. Three patients were able to speak normally and four had no problem with swallowing. Three patients attained good color match while two patients attained good neck contour. Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is simple, easy, variable and a life saving flap for coverage of major head and neck defects with minimal complications