Pedicled pectoralis major musculocutaneous flaps

A retrospective series of 76 pedicled pectoralis major musculocutaneus flaps is presented. We used this technique in reconstruction after head and neck tumours resections and in complications of oncological surgery such as pharyngostomes or orostomes. Most of these flaps were used in reconstruction of oral cavity and in postradiotherapy salvaje surgery cases. We also analyse the presence of complications at the donor and receiver sites and its correlation with different parameters like protein levels, haemoglobin, administration of radiotherapy and its dose, previous quimiotherapy and the influence of systemic diseases.     

Primary laryngopharyngeal reconstruction using pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps — Our experience

Twenty-one eases of laryngectomy/laryngopharyngectomy that required primary reconstruction with P. M. M. C flaps at the Division of Surgical Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Triyandrum were studied retrospectively from July 1995 to December 2090 and compared with the in cases where primary closure of the neopharynx was done. Four of the 21 cases developed post operative pharyngocutaneous fistulae PCF(I9%) which healed Complefely within an average period of I week compared to 4 PCFs (40%) after primary closure. (n=10), where the average healing time was 12.5 days, with I recurrence. The average duration of Onset of fistula was relatively earlier in cases that required primary closure (II days) compared to those cases where P. M. M. C flap was used for reconstruction (12.5 days). All complications were Wound related and managed conservatively.     

Pulmonary function after pectoralis major myocutaneous flap harvest

OBJECTIVE: The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is widely used in the reconstruction of surgical defects in the head and neck region. Pulmonary atelectasis has been reported in patients undergoing these procedures, and many of these patients are heavy smokers and drinkers and have associated cardiopulmonary disorders. Flap harvest and donor site closure may lead to impairment of pulmonary function before and after the use of pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMC) in surgical reconstruction in patients with cancer of the head and neck. METHODS: Patients undergoing extirpation of head and neck tumors with PMC reconstruction were prospectively evaluated. Patient age, smoking history (pack-years), anesthesia duration, percentage predicted pre- and postoperative FEV1, percentage-predicted pre- and postoperative FVC (forced vital capacity), and preoperative SaO2 (oxygen saturation) were evaluated. Preoperative FEV1/FVC ratio was calculated. Chest x-rays were reviewed. RESULTS: Only 11 patients, 5 of whom smoked, could be evaluated postoperatively. Preoperative FEV1/FVC was more than 70 and FEV1 more than 75% predicted in all patients. A decrease in FVC was observed in 7 of the 11 patients, which ranged between 2% and 27% without any clinically obvious respiratory manifestations. A baseline SaO2 of more than 96% was noted in all patients. Four of 9 postoperative chest x-rays demonstrated atelectasis. CONCLUSIONS: PMC harvest and donor site closure may lead to the recorded decrease in FVC measurements. These changes did not manifest clinically. Nevertheless, alternative methods of surgical defect closure should be considered in patients with severe preexisting pulmonary disorders.     

Pulmonary atelectasis after reconstruction with a rectus abdominis free tissue transfer

BACKGROUND: Atelectasis is one of the most common postoperative complications encountered in head and neck surgery. Risk factors include preexisting pulmonary disease, the procedure performed, and the length of anesthetic. Regional flaps used to reconstruct defects in the head and neck predispose to radiographic atelectasis. The rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap is usually transferred as a free tissue transfer. Harvesting the flap results in abdominal wall pain and postoperative splinting that may contribute to an increased development of atelectasis. To our knowledge, this issue has not been previously examined. DESIGN: Retrospective review. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients underwent rectus abdominis myocutaneous free flap reconstruction following major ablative procedures for head and neck cancer. The flap size ranged from 5 x 7 to 25 x 27 cm. Most flaps were 8 x 15 cm. The cutaneous area transferred ranged from 35 to 600 cm(2) (mean, 120 cm(2)). These patients were compared with a group of 53 patients who were matched for age, sex, length of the procedure, and stage of disease. Postoperative atelectasis was radiographically detected in 37 (70%) of the patients who underwent rectus abdominis myocutaneous free flap reconstruction vs 41 (77%) of the controls. Major atelectasis was not encountered in any patient in either group. Patients with a larger cutaneous paddle (>120 cm(2)) had a higher atelectasis score than patients with smaller cutaneous paddles (< or =120 cm(2)) (P =.02). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of radiographic postoperative atelectasis in patients undergoing rectus abdominis myocutaneous free tissue transfer is high. The degree of atelectasis is small, and the clinical correlation and relevance are minimal.     

Pharyngo-esophageal reconstruction using pectoralis major cutaneous muscular flap after total laryngopharyngectomy

Using the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is a good opportunity for one-stage reconstruction of the removed hypopharynx after total laryngopharyngectomy. The authors share their experience with five patients who underwent this kind of operation for T4 cancer of the hypopharynx and discuss their results.     

Delayed histological changes in cutaneous portion of pectoralis major flaps employed in upper aero-digestive tract reconstruction

Our aim was to determine whether histological changes occur in the cutaneous portion of pectoralis major flaps employed for upper aero-digestive tract reconstruction and, if present, to characterize these changes and try to infer their cause. Seven patients submitted to repair of aero-digestive tract defects secondary to cancer resection with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap were included in this study. All patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. Biopsies were taken from: the cutaneous portion of the flap; buccal mucosa; irradiated neck skin and chest skin opposite the donor site. Histological changes toward a “mucosalization” occur in the cutaneous portion of the pectoralis major flaps, characterized by disappearance of the horny layer or a reduction of its thickness and a decrease of the amount of cutaneous appendages. These changes are probably a result of continuous exposure to the intraoral environment in association with radiotherapy effects and may represent an advantageous adaptation for the patient.     

胸大肌肌皮瓣修复晚期口咽侧壁肿瘤手术缺损

对18例晚期口咽侧壁肿瘤患者的术后缺损，用胸大肌肌皮瓣修复。取瓣面积为15cm×10cm～3cm×3cm；3例发生部分坏死，4例行预防性气管切开；术后外形及口咽功能恢复均满意。术后3年和5年生存率分别为61．5％和40．0％。皮瓣的愈合与本前放疗及术中操作等因素有关。认为晚期口咽侧壁肿瘤术后缺损应首选胸大肌肌皮瓣作一期修复，以提高患者生存质量，延长其生命。     

Swallowing function following hypopharyngeal reconstruction with the pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap

Swallowing function was studied in three patients following the pectoralis major musculocutaneous reconstruction of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus after extensive resection for hypopharyngeal cancer. Fluoroscopy and endoscopy revealed the formation of a sphincter-like ring at the proximal end of the remaining intact esophagus. This ring may act to prevent reflux from the lower esophagus, although its sphincteric power is weak. Manometric testing showed that no swallowing pressure was produced in the reconstructed gullet; therefore, bolus propulsion at the pharyngeal stage occurs mainly by gravity. Follow-up studies on swallowing indicate a minimum length of the suture line of 11 cm in order to prevent esophageal stenosis due to anastomotic stricture at the distal mucocutaneous junction.     

Oral cavity reconstruction using pectoralis major muscle and amnion

The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap has become the mainstay of major oral cavity reconstruction. The flap provides excellent soft-tissue bulk and cavity or surface lining for major defects. There is a high rate of primary take. However, the flap has some deficiencies. A group of patients were identified that are likely to have less than ideal results with the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap technique. In these cases, the flap has been modified and amnion has been added. Initial results indicate enhancement of reconstruction with the modified technique.     

Free flap combined with pectoralis major flap for reconstruction after total laryngopharyngectomy in patients with advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma

Conclusion: The findings suggest that a pectoralis major flap combined with a free flap is a safe and reliable method of reconstruction after total pharyngolaryngectomy; with this technique, one can help these patients remain disease free, with normal swallowing function, for a relatively acceptable survival duration. Objectives: To determine the functional and oncological outcomes of a combined flap for the extensive defects after total pharyngolaryngectomy in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx (SCCHP). Method: This study determined the perioperative morbidity and functional and oncologic outcomes of 21 patients with advanced SCCHP who underwent total laryngopharyngectomy and reconstruction using a combination of a pectoralis major flap and a free flap. Results: The free flap and pectoralis major flap were used to reconstruct the defects for all 21 patients. Fourteen patients were reconstructed with jejunal free flaps and pectoralis major flaps; in the remaining seven patients, anterolateral thigh flaps and pectoralis major flaps were used. All the combined flaps worked well, and patients recovered normal swallowing function a mean 19.4 days after surgery. After an overall mean follow-up time of 31.3 months, 30% of patients were still alive at the time of this analysis, with no evidence of disease.     

The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in head and neck reconstruction

The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMC flap) represents a landmark in the development of head and neck reconstructive surgery. After Stephan Ariyan first described its use for head and neck reconstruction in 1979, it has become tremendously popular and has revolutionised head and neck cancer surgery. Here, we present our initial experience with fourteen PMMC flaps in head and neck reconstruction. In most of the instances it was used for oral or oropharyngeal reconstruction. It was used for five other reconstructive tasks as well. Wound infection was the most common complication. There was no case of total flap loss. It has proven to be a reliable method of reconstuction in the head and neck.     

带蒂胸大肌皮瓣在头颈部肿瘤术后缺损修复中的应用

目的:探讨运用带蒂胸大肌皮瓣修复头颈部肿瘤切除术后缺损的效果及优点。方法:13例晚期头颈部肿瘤患者,行肿瘤切除术后以带蒂胸大肌皮瓣修复术后缺损。结果:术后11例愈合良好;1例出现腮腺瘘,加压包扎后愈合;1例自动出院后失访。结论:胸大肌皮瓣修复头颈部肿瘤切除术后缺损,具有血供丰富、可修复较大面积缺损、术后愈合较好等优点。对延长患者生命,减轻病痛有重要作用。     

Complications of pectoralis myocutaneous flaps.

The myocutaneous pectoralis major flap has recently caught the attention of head and neck surgeons. Over the last 12 months, our service has used this flap in 14 patients. Reconstruction in the oral cavity and larynx as well as closure of large areas of skin necrosis of the neck have been the indications. Our complications occurred in 4 of the 14 patients and included neck abscess and fistula, flap necrosis, and chest wall hematoma or abscess. The flap is an eminently useful and successful flap when designed and performed as indicated in the body of the paper.     

胸大肌肌皮瓣卷筒在下咽颈段食管环周缺损修复中的应用

目的 探讨胸大肌肌皮瓣卷筒在晚期喉咽及颈段食管肿瘤切除术后环周缺损修复中应用的可行性及远期疗效.方法 回顾性分析2004年12月至2008年10月对30例头颈鳞癌原发灶肿瘤切除后出现下咽和颈段食管环周缺损的患者选择行胸大肌肌皮瓣卷筒修复的临床资料.其中下咽癌22例,颈段食管癌7例,喉癌术后放疗后复发累及下咽1例.术前接受放疗者5例,外院手术后复发者3例.采用全喉全下咽切除者12例,全喉全下咽切除颈段食管切除者18例,均行胸大肌肌皮瓣卷筒修复.结果 术后咽瘘4例,其中2例有术前放疗史,2例有糖尿病史,均换药治愈.2例患者出现吻合口狭窄,均位于口咽部上吻合口处,经反复扩张后缓解,术后吞咽功能均恢复.全部患者均进行随诊,术后随访时间8～56个月,中位随访时间18个月.以Kaplan-Meier法计算生存率,1年及3年生存率分别为71.4%及42.5%.结论 胸大肌肌皮瓣卷筒修复晚期咽喉及颈段食管肿瘤切除后的下咽和颈段食管环周缺损效果可靠.可用于放疗及手术后复发肿瘤切除后环周缺损的修复.