[Myocutaneous flaps in cervicofacial oncology. Results apropos of 87 patients]

Results are reported of the use of 93 musculocutaneous flaps, distinction being drawn between those used for secondary reconstruction and those employed during surgical excision. Secondary flaps were used to close 19 pharyngostomies, 10 orostomies, and 2 necrotic skin lesions, and for reconstruction of a circular pharyngectomy. Large radiation doses had been given in 29 of these 32 patients. Treatment was a total failure in 3 cases, and was partially ineffective in 5 patients, with the need for alternative surgery. Flaps obtained during initial surgery (57 cases) included 33 patients treated by radiation. Partial healing was obtained in 5 cases but the treatment was unsuccessful in 4 cases: all on previously radiated tissue. Unfavourable factors are mainly previous radiation and the hypopharyngeal site of loss of substance. Indications for the different types of flap are discussed.