Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Coronoid-Temporalis Pedicled Flap for Orbital Floor Defect Reconstruction
Published on: December 5, 2025
Free tissue transfer versus pedicled flap reconstruction of head and neck malignancy defects
J P O'Neill1, N Shine, P A Eadie
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. joneill@rcsi.ie
Background:
With the advent of microsurgery the pedicled flap is considered by many to be an outdated surgical option.
Aims:
To explore the relationship between flap survival and pre-morbid risk factors, conduct a comparative analysis of flap and systemic morbidities and complete a cosmesis and functionality assessment for oral and oropharyngeal reconstruction patients.
Methods:
114 patients, over a 13-year period, who had a one-stage reconstructive procedure employing the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) or radial forearm-free flap (RFFF).
Results:
Variables, including age, smoking and radiation exposure were not statistically significant predictors of flap survival probability. Atelectasis was a significant post-op finding of RFFF patients. Flap dehiscence of >50% was a significant morbidity of PMMF. No statistical difference in cosmetic deformity, diet and socialisation was noted.
Conclusions:
Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap remains an enduring and safe flap; however, the RFFF has markedly improved speech performance over the PMMF.
