[Pedicled pectoralis major musculocutaneous flaps]

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Head and Neck Surgery
• Oncology

Context:

• Reconstruction following head and neck tumor resections presents significant challenges.
• Complications from oncological surgeries, including pharyngostomes and orostomes, necessitate advanced reconstructive techniques.
• Post-radiotherapy defects, particularly in the oral cavity, require robust reconstructive solutions.

Purpose:

• To present a retrospective analysis of 76 pedicled pectoralis major musculocutaneous flaps used in head and neck reconstruction.
• To evaluate the efficacy and complication rates of this flap technique in diverse oncological scenarios.
• To identify patient-specific and treatment-related factors influencing flap outcomes and complications.

Summary:

• The study reviewed 76 pedicled pectoralis major musculocutaneous flaps for head and neck cancer reconstruction, focusing on oral cavity and post-radiotherapy cases.
• Complications at donor and recipient sites were analyzed in relation to protein levels, hemoglobin, radiotherapy dose, chemotherapy, and systemic diseases.
• The pectoralis major flap demonstrated utility in complex head and neck reconstructions, with complication rates influenced by patient comorbidities and treatment history.

Impact:

• Provides valuable data for surgeons selecting reconstructive options in challenging head and neck cancer cases.
• Highlights the importance of nutritional status and prior oncological treatments in predicting flap outcomes.
• Contributes to optimizing patient selection and surgical planning for improved functional and aesthetic results in head and neck reconstruction.