The pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap in head and neck cancer reconstruction

Introduction: The pectoralis major flap was initially described by Ariyan in the 1970s. It has high acceptance due to its versatility for head and neck cancer reconstruction. Methods: This flap was used for the reconstruction of 46 patients with head and neck cancer, as following: mouth/tongue reconstruction (24); pharyngoesophageal transit reconstruction (11); repair of cervical skin loss (4); pharynx reconstruction (2); repair of facial skin loss (3); repair of pharyngocutaneous fistula (1) and salvage reconstruction after rotational flap necrosis (1). Results: Total necrosis of the flap was observed in two patients, partial necrosis in six and partial dehiscence in eleven. Conclusions: The pectoralis major flap is functionally adequate for the repair of large surgical defects.