[Pedicled musculocutaneous and fasciocutaneous flap]

Pedicled musculocutaneous and fasciocutaneous flaps are still a prerequisite of reconstructive surgery. Although microvascular free flap transfer today plays a major role in modern one-step reconstruction concepts, the surgeon should be familiar with the anatomy and techniques of pedicled flaps. In the head and neck region especially, pedicled flaps from the pectoralis major and the latissimus dorsi muscle are of clinical importance. A major advantage of these flaps is in their simple and standardized surgical technique, which requires no further surgical qualification compared to microvascular transfer. The flaps are reliable and safe. They have a high degree of resistance against infection and therefore can be used in compromised tissues, which are frequently found in irradiated patients. The disadvantages are a reduced mobility regarding the arch of rotation. Pedicled fasciocutaneous flaps have no importance in reconstructive surgery of the head and neck region.