Successful use of deltopectoral flap in reconstruction of defect caused by squamous cell carcinoma

ABSTRACT

Deltopectoral flap is a widely used flap in reconstruction surgery. A patient presented with extra-oral solitary swelling on the right lower jaw and an intra-oral exophytic growth located along the lower border of right mandibular jaw. Incisional biopsy was done which revealed moderately-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Clinical staging was T4N1M0. Treatment plan devised was segmental mandibulectomy along with excision of involved skin, supraomohyoid neck dissection followed by reconstruction. Apron incision with lip split was used. The defect caused by the resection was closed using deltopectoral flap. Deltopectoral flap was preferred for reconstruction as it is convenient for patients with low socioeconomic status and for hospitals with less technical facilities. It can easily be raised from anterior chest area because of its pliability. This case report highlights the role of deltopectoral flap as an alternate to free flap for reconstruction