PECTORALIS MAJOR MYOCUTANEOUS FLAP SUCCESS RATE IN THE SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF ORAL CANCER

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Oral Cancer Management

Background:

• Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has high recurrence rates (26.5–56.3%), often local-regional.
• Management of recurrent OSCC presents challenges, with ongoing debate on optimal treatment strategies.
• Reconstruction of defects following salvage surgery for recurrent OSCC is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in reconstructing oral defects.
• To assess the complication rates associated with this flap in recurrent oral cancer patients.
• To determine the suitability of this flap for salvage surgery in OSCC.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 40 patients with recurrent oral cancer undergoing salvage surgery.
• Utilized the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for reconstruction.
• Data collected from case notes and clinical follow-up (1 month to 1 year).

Main Results:

• Achieved an 80% overall success rate for the reconstructive surgery.
• Flap-related complications occurred in 48.6% of patients.
• Major complications (25.7%) and minor complications (22.9%) were reported, alongside unrelated issues like pain and bleeding.

Conclusions:

• The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is a viable option for restoring soft tissue defects in recurrent OSCC.
• Complications primarily arose at the reconstruction site.
• Salvage surgery with this flap can significantly benefit patients, potentially extending survival to 2-4 years.