Enhanced reliability and renewed applications of the deltopectoral flap in head and neck reconstruction

Bakamjian introduced the deltopectoral skin flap in 1965, and thereafter it was used extensively for reconstructive surgery of the head and neck. Flap failure rates of 10% to 25% were reported, necessitating the development of alternative methods of reconstruction and eventually relegating the flap to historical references. Since 1991, we have used the deltopectoral flap in 24 patients for reconstruction after head and neck tumor surgery. Simple technical modifications have been used to enhance the reliability of this flap, with no observed failures or even partial flap loss. The deltopectoral flap remains a versatile and reliable tissue source that can be used simultaneously with the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for a variety of complex head and neck reconstructions.