T-shaped Pectoralis Major Musculocutaneous Flap for Reconstruction of an Extensive Circumferential Pharyngeal Defect

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2014 May 7;2(4):e129. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000000074. eCollection 2014 Apr.

Abstract

In the era of free-flap transfer, the pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap still plays a unique role in head and neck reconstruction. We report on a patient with a recurrent hypopharyngeal carcinoma after total pharyngolaryngectomy and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy in whom defects included a circumferential defect of the oropharynx and the entire tongue. The defects were successfully reconstructed with a T-shaped pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap whose skin island included multiple intercostal perforators from the internal mammary vessels. This flap design is effective for reconstructing circumferential pharyngeal defects in vessel-depleted neck.

Publication types

  • Case Reports