The Use of the Pectoralis Major Muscle As An Island Flap on the Thoracoacromial Artery in Defects of the Head-Neck and Infraclavicular Area

Abstract

INTRODUCTION[|]Plastic surgeons frequently reconstruct defects in the head, neck, and infraclavicular area. Pectoralis major muscle flap is a common flap choice for use in these areas. In this study, a modification of this flap is presented that could avoid problems seen with conventional pectoralis major flap. [¤]METHODS[|]Twenty–two patients with a median age of 58.4 years were operated on between 2010 and 2015 for defects located in the head, neck, or infraclavicular area. In 14 patients, defects were in head and neck area, whereas in 8 patients, it was in infraclavicular area. [¤]RESULTS[|]No partial or total flap loss was encountered during the follow-up period of 13.2 months. In 1 patient with infraclavicular defect, local wound healing problems were observed and treated with conservative methods and did not require additional surgery. In another patient, hematoma located under the flap was observed and surgically drained. In 2 patients operated on for defects located in the head and neck area, local wound healing problems were encountered which healed spontaneously. In all patients, defects were successfully reconstructed with high patient satisfaction rate. [¤]DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION[|]The pectoralis major island flap is a safe option for the reconstruction of head, neck, and infraclavicular defects and has low morbidity rate.[¤]

Keywords

• head and neck reconstruction
• infraclavicular defect reconstruction
• pectoralis major muscle flap
• thoracoacromial artery.