Evaluation of the Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap for Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Well vascularized pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) had been a commonly used versatile flap in reconstructive oromaxillofacial surgery since the 1970s. However, after the advent of microvascular surgery in the 1980s, the PMMF was used less frequently. But, to date, PMMF has been useful and has some advantages such as covering wide defects, covering vital structures, back-up procedure in cases of free flap failure, and reconstruction for radiotherapy patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role, indication, complications, functional, and aesthetic results of this flap in the era of free flap with a literature and chart review.METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of 16 oral cancer patients undergoing reconstructive surgery with PMMF for reconstruction of defects from 2001 to 2012 at Kyungpook National University Hospital. The male to female ratio was 106, with a mean age of 63 years (16~79 years). Basic demographic data, previous treatment history, indications, dimension of the flap, site of reconstruction, postoperative complications, and patients' final status were systemically analyzed from chart review.RESULTS: The pathology of the disease included squamous cell carcinoma in the majority of cases (n=14). The remaining cases were fibrosarcoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Of the 16 PMMF reconstructions, 13 flaps were applied as primary reconstructive procedures, whereas three flaps were; salvage; procedures (vascularized free flap failure). Twelve patients had complications such as wound dehiscence, infection, hematoma, fistula, flap bulkiness, and partial flap necrosis. The higher complication rates showed an association with utilization of the flap in preoperative radiotherapy cases. However, all patients were discharged without failure.CONCLUSION: In reconstructive oromaxillofacial surgery, the PMMF is still a useful flap for huge defects. In addition, the PMMF can be used as a salvage procedure after vascularized free flap failure and reconstruction for patients with a history of preoperative radiotherapy.