Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for massive facial defects

There are certain indications for the use of particular myocutaneous flaps based on their capability to transfer skin of satisfactory surface area. Pectoralis major and trapezius myocutaneous flaps seem to have the greatest application for reconstructing moderate- to large-size defects. However, the head and neck surgeon encounters ablative procedures where neither of these is sufficient to reconstruct a massive tissue loss. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the successful use of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap as a means of transferring a large amount of skin and to discuss its advantages and disadvantages.