Hydrocolloid Dressing for the Management of Flap Necrosis Following Cancer Reconstructive Surgery: A Case Report

Resection and reconstruction following cancer surgery may sometimes result in healing complications such as flap necrosis. Early management is important to prevent progression to total flap loss. We present a case of flap necrosis in a patient who underwent hemimandibulectomy and reconstruction with a pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap following resection of carcinoma of the floor of the mouth. The patient was managed conservatively with early wound debridement and hydrocolloid dressing, which allowed the flap to heal by secondary intention without further compromise. This case highlights the importance of prompt intervention in flap necrosis following cancer reconstructive surgery.