The role of the unilateral pectoralis major muscle flap in the treatment of deep sternal wound infection and dehiscence.

Deep sternal wound infection and dehiscence has been classified as complex wound, and its treatment is a challenge for the surgeon. There are many flap choices for its treatment, each one having advantages and drawbacks. The article by Wang et al. evidenced that the unilateral pectoralis major muscle flap is a simple and effective option for wound closure resulting from sternotomy dehiscence in infants and children. The report discussed herein highlights that the unilateral pectoralis major muscle flap has been a good and feasible option for the reconstruction of the sternal wound in adults, as previously described by our group and other authors. This technique presents low morbidity and acceptable esthetic and functional results, providing stability to the sternal region.

Successful reconstruction of an intrathoracic tracheal defect using a muscle flap and conchal cartilage graft.

BACKGROUND: Malignant invasion of the respiratory tract is a common complication in advanced cases of esophageal carcinoma. Resection and reconstruction can be extremely challenging, particularly when the invasion is intrathoracic. A circumferential tracheal resection with direct tracheal closure or mediastinal tracheostomy is often performed, but the outcome is not always favorable, with high morbidity rates, loss of vocal function, and reduced quality of life. METHODS: We present our experience in performing an intrathoracic tracheal reconstruction in which a conchal cartilage graft was used in combination with a pectoralis major muscle transposition. RESULTS: This was successfully done following the noncircumferential resection of the intrathoracic trachea due to mural invasion by a metastatic lymph node of esophageal carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: We believe this report will contribute to the growing body of clinical expertise on procedures for intrathoracic tracheal reconstruction.

Pectoralis major muscle flap use in a modern head and neck free flap practice.

PURPOSE: Pectoralis major muscle flaps (PMMF) are a commonly used reconstructive modality to repair head and neck defects. As the use of free flap reconstruction is increasingly practiced in the head and neck, the role of the PMMF may be changing as well. This study sought to analyze indications and outcomes for PMMF following head and neck resections from one surgeon's experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review from December 1, 2013 through September 30, 2017 at a tertiary care academic medical center. Indications for the PMMF were examined as well as surgical outcomes. Basic demographic data, patient head and neck cancer history, history of radiation and/or chemotherapy, and history of previous reconstructive procedures were obtained and compared across all subjects. RESULTS: Forty patients underwent a PMMF within the designated time frame. The majority of patients were male (83%) and the average age was 65 years (range 55.4-74.6 years). Of the 40 cases, 9 of the PMMFs were performed as primary reconstruction of the defect. In the remaining 31 cases, these flaps were utilized as a secondary reconstructive option following fistula formation (13), dehiscence (6), need for an additional flap for recurrent disease (6) infection (4), or major bleeding (2). In every case that it was utilized, the PMMF was the definitive reconstruction. Within the same time frame, 429 free flaps were performed by the same surgeon, with an average of 125 free flaps performed yearly. The rate of total flap failure overall was 3.9%. The other failed free flap reconstructive options used besides a PMMF were secondary free flaps (11), local wound care (4), or obturator placement (2). The secondary pectoralis flaps occurred following 7.2% of free flaps with total or partial failure that were performed within the same time range. The indications for the PMMF did not change or evolve during the time frame of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Although free flaps were performed with far greater frequency than PMMFs at our institution, the PMMF demonstrated continued utility as a secondary reconstructive option. For a surgeon who performs a high volume of free flaps, preservation of the pectoralis muscle and associated vasculature for possible later secondary reconstruction should be considered due to its strong efficacy.

Deep sternal wound infection following cardiac surgery: A comparison of the monolateral with the bilateral pectoralis major flaps.

Deep sternal wound infections are a serious complication following sternotomy for cardiothoracic surgery. "Conventional" treatment provides debridement and secondary closure or closed catheter irrigation. The combination of the Negative Pressure Therapy with flap coverages is an accepted technique and one or both Pectoralis Major muscles could be chosen. A multistep protocol was adopted. One hundred and sixty seven patients were treated with the combination of Negative Pressure Therapy with the Pectoralis Major muscle flap: 86 monolateral flap and 81 bilateral flap reconstruction. The main complications (hematoma, seroma, dehiscence, and re-infection), the need for re-intervention, mortality rates, Intensive Care Unit, and hospitalisation time were assessed. The mono-pectoralis group had fewer complications and need for revision, with a shorter hospital stay. A statistically significant difference emerged for the hematoma rate (P = .0079). Monolateral flap should to be preferred because with the same coverage effectiveness, it guarantees the saving of controlateral muscle with its functionality and the possibility of its use in case of failure. Furthermore, as the technique is less invasive, it can be reserved for more fragile patients.

Preliminary result with incisional negative pressure wound therapy and pectoralis major muscle flap for median sternotomy wound infection in a high-risk patient population.

Deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) represents a dangerous complication that can follow open-heart surgery with median sternotomy access. Muscle flaps, such as monolateral pectoralis major muscle flap (MPMF), represent the main choices for sternal wound coverage and infection control. Negative pressure incision management system has proven to be able to reduce the incidence of these wounds' complications. Prevena™ represents one of these incision management systems and we aimed to evaluate its benefits. A total of 78 patients with major risk factors that presented post-sternotomy DSWI following cardiac surgery was selected. Thrity patients were treated with MPMF and Prevena™ (study group). Control group consisted of 48 patients treated with MPMF and conventional wound dressings. During the follow-up period, 4 (13%) adverse events occurred in the study group, whereas 18 complications occurred (37·5%) in the control group. Surgical revision necessity and mean postoperative time spent in the intensive care unit were both higher in the control group. Our results evidenced Prevena™ system's ability in improving the outcome of DSWI surgical treatment with MPMF in a high-risk patient population.

[Techniques for island design of pectoralis major muscle flap and risk control].

The pectoralis major muscle flap has been clinically used for more than 40 years. When harvesting the traditional pectoralis major muscle flaps, it is necessary to cut the upper half of the pectoralis major muscle, and use the thoracoacromial vessels and its surrounding pectoralis major muscle as the pedicle, resulting in the loss of the function of the pectoralis major muscle. Hypertrophic pedicle also squeezes the responsible vessels and prevents the flap from being transferred to recipient area, often leading to the partial necrosis of the flap end. The author proposes an improved method to harvesting pectoralis major muscle island flap, and summarizes it as a "ten-step procedures". The key point is to identify the "lowest penetrating muscle point"（LPMP） during the operation, and points out that it is safe to cut off the muscle pedicle 2cm above LPMP. The pectoralis major muscle island flaps not only preserves the function of the donor site's pectoralis major muscle to the utmost extent, better restores the swallowing and vocal function of the recipient site, but also improves the safety of flap harvesting, which will be benefit to patients.

Renovating the Old Fashion: The "Functional Technique" for Harvesting Pectoralis Major Muscle Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction.

Although free flaps are widely recognized as a gold standard, pectoralis major muscle flap (PMMF) still remains a valuable workhorse in head and neck reconstruction. The technique we describe in the present paper allows to harvesting the PMMF with an accurate and complete isolation of the pedicle, sparing the superior sternum-acromion muscular fibers.

Functional Shoulder Outcome and Quality of Life Following Modified Muscle-Sparing Pectoralis Major Flap Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The pedicled pectoralis major muscle flap (PMMF) is a well established flap for fistula prophylaxis after salvage laryngectomy. To reduce donor site morbidity, we established a modified muscle-sparing harvesting technique. We herein investigate postoperative shoulder function and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). METHODS: A chart review of patients receiving the modified muscle-sparing pectoralis major muscle flap between 2013-2020 was performed. Nineteen patients (male = 18, female = 1) were potentially eligible and six male patients were ultimately enrolled. Postoperative shoulder function was assessed on both sides (flap side versus non-flap side) using the Constant Murley Score and the Bak criteria. Health-related quality of life was assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire in cancer patients (EORTC QLQ-C30) and head and neck cancer patients (EORTC H&N35). RESULTS: No Constant Murley Score subscale was statistically significant (p ≥ 0.180). Bak criteria was overall rated "Good". Solely upper extremity adduction force was significantly altered on the flap side (p = 0.039). Median EORTC QLQ-C30 score was 82.2 (IQR 11.1) on the functional scale and 10.3 (IQR 2.6) on the symptomatic scale. Median quality of life score was 75.0 (IQR 33.3) and median EORTC QLQ-H&N35 was 20.6 (IQR 9.8). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative shoulder function after modified muscle-sparing pectoralis major muscle flap surgery is comparable to function of the healthy side with a significant deficiency in adduction force not compromising daily life in this small study cohort.

Double Layer Reconstruction of Exposed Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices in Elderly Patients.

Background Elderly patients with multiple comorbidities may not be candidates for cardiac implanted electronic device (CIED) explantation in cases of exposition. Excision of all unhealthy and inflamed scar tissue results in a skin defect that must be covered. Small- to moderate-sized local skin flaps and subpectoral placement of CIEDs have been described in the literature. However, these techniques still could not eliminate the risk of recurrence. In terms of minimizing the recurrence risk, we aim to increase the flap dimensions for getting better circulation and tension-free closure after subpectoral placement. Material and methods Six patients who were operated for a dual-layer reconstruction of exposed cardiac implants between 2017 and 2020 were included in the study. All patients were referred to plastic surgery as soon as the wound biopsy culture results were negative after systemic and topical antibiotic treatment by cardiology department. Results No flap loss or wound dehiscence was seen with a mean duration of 11 months follow-up. Early hematoma was encountered in a patient who was managed with irrigation and drain renewal. One patient developed suture abscess in the second month postoperatively. Knots were removed and wound healed without further intervention. Conclusion Double layer closure of exposed cardiac implants with large breast fasciocutaneous flap after subpectoral placement of pulse generator and leads suggest durable and reliable coverage in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities.

Refractory cutaneo-gastric conduit fistula after esophagectomy repaired by a pectoralis major muscle flap and split-thickness skin graft.

BACKGROUND: Gastric conduit ulcer after esophagectomy is not uncommon. In cases where a gastric conduit ulcer penetrates the adjacent organs, it is difficult to select a suitable treatment strategy. The treatment depends on the adjacent organs penetrated. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case in which a reconstructed gastric conduit ulcer penetrated the precordial skin in a patient who had undergone esophagectomy due to spontaneous esophageal rupture 28 years previously. To treat the cutaneo-gastric conduit fistula, we resected the fistula, covered the site of anastomosis with a major pectoralis muscle flap, and applied a split-thickness skin graft to the skin defect. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of gastric conduit trouble in patients treated via the antesternal route, a major pectoralis muscle flap is useful because of its rich blood supply and easy mobilization. In addition, a split-thickness skin graft should be applied to the skin defect.

Comparison of the reconstruction of through-and-through cheek defects involving the labial commissure following tumor resection using four types of local and pedicle flaps.

BACKGROUND: The reconstruction of through-and-through cheek defects involving the labial commissure following cancer ablation is a surgical challenge. METHODS: This study evaluated 35 patients with buccal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) involving the labial commissure who underwent Abbe-Estlander (A-EF), folded extended supraclavicular fasciocutaneous island (SFIF), folded pectoralis major muscle (PMMF), or folded extended vertical lower trapezius island myocutaneous (TIMF) flap reconstruction of through-and-through cheek defects involving the labial commissure following radical resection. RESULTS: The A-EF and SFIF groups differed significantly (P < 0.05) from the PMMF and TIMF groups in terms of tumor clinical stage and type of treatment. The inner PMMF (median 6.3 × 4.5) and TIMF (median 9.8 × 6.7) skin paddle dimensions were larger than those of the A-EF (median 1.8 × 2.2) and SFIF (median 5.5 × 4.3) groups (P < 0.05). The outer PMMF (median 6.3 × 6.6) and TIMF (median 9.8 × 13.2) dimensions were larger than those of the A-EF (median 1.8 × 3.8) and SFIF (median 5.5 × 4.6) groups (P < 0.05). The esthetic results, orbicularis oris function, and speech function were significantly (P < 0.05) better in the A-EF group than in the SFIF, PMMF, and TIMF groups. The patients were followed for 6-38 months (median 26.8, 25.0, 22.1, and 20.8 months in the A-EF, SFIF, PMMF, and TIMF groups, respectively). At the final follow-up, 4 (80.0%) patients in the A-EF, 7 (87.5%) in the SFIF, 5 (55.6%) in the PMMF, and 5 (38.4%) in the TIMF groups were alive with no disease; 1 (20.0%), 1 (22.2%), 2 (22.2%), and 4 (30.8%) patients, respectively, were alive with disease; and 2 (22.2%) patients in the PMMF and 4 (30.8%) in the TIMF group had died of local recurrence or distant metastases at between 9 and 38 months. There was a significant survival difference in the A-EF and SFIF groups compared with the PMMF and TIMF groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The A-EF is suitable for reconstructing defects of clinical stage II disease; the SFIF for clinical stage II or III disease; the PMMF for clinical stage III or IV; and the TIMF for clinical stage rCS III or rCS IV disease.

A case of mediastinitis with an exposed artificial blood vessel that was associated with right ventricular wall damage during treatment.

We report a serious case of right ventricular wall damage during mediastinitis treatment, which was successfully treated with negative-pressure wound therapy with continuous instillation (NPWT-CI).

Tracheoesophageal fistula after total resection of gastric conduit for gastro-aortic fistula due to gastric ulcer.

BACKGROUND: Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a rare but life-threatening complication after esophagectomy. It has a high mortality rate and often leads to severe aspiration pneumonia. Various types of surgical repair procedures have been reported, but the optimal management of TEF is challenging and controversial. Treatment should be individualized to each patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old female underwent transthoracic esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction and an intrathoracic anastomosis for esophageal cancer. Three years later, she had hematemesis and was diagnosed with a gastro-aortic fistula due to a gastric ulcer. She underwent endovascular aortic repair urgently at another hospital. Two days later, she underwent total resection of the gastric tube, during which time an injury to the trachea occurred; it was repaired by patching the stump of the esophagus to the injury site. Two months later, descending aortic replacement was performed due to infection of the stent graft. Six months after the first operation, a TEF developed. The patient was referred to our hospital for further treatment. The fistula was ligated and divided via a cervical approach, and a pectoralis major muscle flap was used to cover the defect. Esophageal reconstruction with the pedunculated jejunum was performed via a subcutaneous route. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was discharged after 6 months of physical and dysphagia rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: A TEF located near the cervicothoracic border was successfully treated with a pectoralis major muscle flap through a cervical approach. Total resection of a gastric conduit in the posterior mediastinum carries a risk of tracheobronchial injury; however, if such an injury occurs, surgeons should be able to repair the injury using a suitable flap depending on the injury site.

Functional outcomes of fasciocutaneous free flap and pectoralis major flap for salvage total laryngectomy.

BACKGROUND: Pectoralis major muscle flaps (PMMFs) and fasciocutaneous free flaps (FFFs) are commonly used for reconstruction of the surgical defect after salvage total laryngectomy. This study compared swallowing function in patients who underwent reconstruction with either PMMF or FFF. METHODS: This study was based on a retrospective cohort of patients treated at the CHU de Québec between January 2000 and March 2015. Demographics, chemoradiation data, surgical protocol, pathologic results, complications, evolution, esophageal dilation, diet intake, and feeding tube dependence were documented. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients were analyzed (93 PMMFs and 33 FFFs). Of the patients who received PMMFs, 38.7% had a limited oral intake compared to 15.2% of patients who received FFFs (odds ratio [OR] 3.54; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25-9.99; P = .02). The need for esophageal dilation tended to be greater for PMMF patients (25% vs 9%; OR 3.38; 95% CI 0.94-12.13; P = .06). Complication rates were similar. CONCLUSION: The FFF reconstruction led to better results in terms of swallowing function than PMMF reconstruction.

[A study of 16 cases on the island pectoralis major muscle flap in repair for the defects after the laryngeal function reserved operation of hypopharyngeal carcinoma].

Objective:To explore the application about island pectoralis major muscle flap in repair for the defects after the laryngeal function reserved operation of hypopharyngeal carcinoma.Method:A retrospective analysis about 16 patients who underwent hypopharyngeal carcinoma surgery using pedicle island pectoralis major myocutaneous flap to repair, including 14 cases whose primary tumors located in the piriform fossa, and 2 cases in pharynx posterior wall.Result:All 16 cases' pectoralis major muscle flap survived, 2 of patient appeared to have a pharyngeal fistula, but recovered after transition. Of the 16 cases, 14 cases were removed the trachea tube in 1-3 months, 2 cases survive with tube, and all patients were satisfied with their appearance and the function. In 16 cases, 2 of them survived 3 and a half years, died of lung metastasis; 2 cases survived for four years, 1 died of local recurrence of tumor and another died of heart disease; 1 survived for four and a half years and died of lung metastasis; the remaining 11 cases were still in follow-up.Conclusion:The application in the surgical defect repair of pharyngeal carcinoma with pedicle island pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is safe and effective.

Rupture of the extracranial carotid artery caused by misdiagnosed infected pseudoaneurysm during deep cervical abscess drainage: A case report.

Infected aneurysms or pseudoaneurysms of the extracranial carotid artery are extremely rare, but they can lead to lethal complications. In some cases, infected pseudoaneurysms can be masked by the excessive inflammation of surrounding tissues. Here we describe the case of a 69-year-old woman with several comorbidities, who presented with a rapidly enlarging left neck bulge. CT was suggestive of an abscess involving the left common carotid artery. Colour Doppler ultrasound did not document intralesional flow. Abscess drainage under ultrasonographic assistance was attempted unsuccessfully, with collection of creamy, purple material. Surgical drainage of the abscess was, therefore, decided. As soon as necrotic tissue debridement was started, a massive haemorrhage originating from the common carotid artery invaded the surgical field. The carotid artery was then repaired with a bovine pericardial patch and covered with a pectoralis major muscle flap. The patient recovered without any neurological consequences. Revision of CT imaging revealed a very small misdiagnosed infected pseudoaneurysm. With better preoperative surgical planning and a good suspicion index, such a life-threatening emergency could have been avoided.

Continuous negative pressure-flush through a dual tube for the treatment of a complicated pharyngeal fistula: A case report.

The treatment of pharyngeal fistulas is complicated. It is more difficult to deal with pharyngeal fistula following surgical treatment for hypopharynx carcinoma, particularly in cases of pectoralis major muscle flap repair. The present study describes the case of a 56-year-old man who presented with a highly-differentiated pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma located at the right side of the hypopharynx. The patient underwent a total laryngectomy and a right functional carotid dissection and tracheostomy; this was followed by post-operative radiotherapy. A pharyngeal fistula subsequently developed, but an attempt to repair this with a pectoralis major muscle flap failed. The complicated pharyngeal fistula was treated via continuous negative pressure-flush through a dual tube, without the requirement for incision, daily dressing or antibiotics. The favorable patient outcome represented a positive result, which was also able to reduce the psychological burden of the patient and improve their quality of life.

Prophylactic pectoralis major muscle flap in prevention of pharyngocutaneous fistula in total laryngectomy after radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of the pectoralis major muscle flap (PMMF) in the prevention of pharyngocutaneous fistula for total laryngectomy after radiotherapy (RT) METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 166 patients who underwent a total laryngectomy after RT between 1998 and 2012 at the CHU de Québec. RESULTS: One hundred fifteen patients underwent a total laryngectomy with primary pharyngeal closure alone and 51 patients received an onlay PMMF. The incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula in the PMMF group was 14% compared to 36% when only primary closure was done (p = .004). However, the PMMF did not influence the treatment needed for the healing of this complication (p = 1.00). The development of pharyngocutaneous fistula increased the length of stay from 19 to 50 days (p < .0001) and delayed the initiation of oral diet from 15 to 25 days (p = .03). CONCLUSION: Nonirradiated tissue coverage should be routine in total laryngectomy after RT. PMMF is a good adjunct to prevent pharyngocutaneous fistula.

Secondary reconstruction with a transverse colon covered with a pectoralis major muscle flap and split thickness skin grafts for an esophageal defect and wide skin defects of the anterior chest wall.

Necrosis of a reconstructed organ after esophagectomy is a rare postoperative complication. However, in case this complication develops, severe infectious complications can occur, and subsequent surgical reconstruction is quite complicated. To treat esophageal conduit necrosis after esophageal reconstruction with the terminal ileum and ascending colon, we reconstructed the esophagus using a transverse colon, which was covered with a pectoralis major muscle flap to reinforce the anastomotic site. In addition, split thickness skin grafts were applied to the wide skin defect to cover the reconstructed organs at the antesternal route. Widely extended split thickness skin grafts can adhere to the reconstructed organs without excessive tension. Therefore, this method enabled successful treatment of an esophageal defect and wide skin defects of the anterior chest wall.