The improved pedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous lfaps in reconstruction of complex surgical defects following resection of advanced head and neck malignancies / 中国癌症杂志

ABSTRACT

Background and purpose:The pedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous lfap has been a common choice of tissue lfaps for head and neck reconstruction. Nowadays, with rapid advancement in microsurgery, free lfaps gradually replace the pedicled lfaps. However, not all patients are good candidates for reconstruction surgery using free tissue lfaps. Adjacent pedicled lfaps are safer and more reliable. This paper explores potential application of pedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in reconstruction of complex surgical defects following resection of advanced head and neck malignancies through modification of their preparation and repair method.Methods:Flap design scheme and method of preparation were modiifed to improve the pectoralis major muscle lfap. Fifty-one patients with surgical defects from resection of head and neck malignancies received reconstruction surgery using modiifed pectoralis major muscle lfaps.Results:Modiifed pectoralis major muscle lfaps survived completely in 51 patients. The area of defect regained its shape and appearance after reconstruction surgery. The area of defect obtained excellent functional recovery. Postoperative functional injuries to the donor sites were minimized.Conclusion:Modiifcation in designing and preparing method of the pectoralis major muscle flap improved repair range and distance in reconstruction of complex surgical defect following resection of head and neck malignancies. It also reduced necrosis rate of skin lfaps. Postoperative donor and recipient sites regained their appearance and functions successfully. The pectoralis major muscle lfap is one of the important tissue lfaps used in reconstruction of surgical defect following resection of a head and neck malignancy.