Pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap with nipple-areola complex in head and neck reconstruction: preliminary results of a new modified method

Pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap remains the workhorse tool for head and neck reconstruction. Flap failure in head and neck reconstruction is a devastating complication with a high morbidity and mortality. Inclusion of nipple-areola complex on the skin paddle stabilizes the blood circulation in the skin island of the pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap. A modified use of pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap with nipple-areola complex on the skin island was performed in 11 male patients in head and neck reconstructions with success without partial or total skin island necrosis.We recommend the inclusion of nipple-areola complex on the skin island of the pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap in head and neck reconstructions to increase the blood supply of the skin paddle. We concluded that the skin island of the pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap might include the areola and nipple complex in patients with large defects of the head and neck, which stabilize the blood circulation in the skin island.     

Pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap: a new flap in head and neck reconstruction.

The pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap described by Ariyan has great potential in single stage reconstructions of the head and neck. The advantages of the flap are greater length, improved vascularity, bulk, and one-stage reconstruction of oropharyngeal defects. The flap was used successfully in eight patients to reconstruct large defects in the head and neck area. Experience to date indicates that this flap has greater versatility than the deltopectoral flap in one-stage head and neck reconstructions.     

Musculocutaneous flaps in head and neck reconstruction.

The introduction of musculocutaneous flaps to head and neck reconstructive surgery is described. The flaps available are listed, and the most important ones described and illustrated. Both the latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major flaps are felt to have a role in head and neck reconstruction, though they have largely been superseded by microvascular free flaps such as the radial forearm flap.     

Analysis of frequency of pulmonary atelectasis in patients undergoing pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap reconstruction

The incidence of pulmonary atelectasis following head and neck surgery is not well reported. This study retrospectively evaluated the incidence of pulmonary atelectasis in 161 head and neck cancer patients, with 152 being evaluable. There were 90 patients evaluated following pectoralis musculocutaneous flap reconstruction with their effective flap size and 71 nonflap patients as a control group. Clinical findings were correlated to radiographic scores. Of pectoralis musculocutaneous flap patients screened for preexisting pulmonary disease (PEPD), nine of 45 (20%) demonstrated pulmonary atelectasis in the first 24 hours compared with 10 of 39 or 25.6% nonflap controls. Major pulmonary atelectasis was not found in the pectoralis musculocutaneous flap patients by scoring criteria, and in only one of 39 (2.6%) nonflap patients. In flaps larger than 40 cm², the incidence was eight of 37 (21.6%), with no major pulmonary atelectasis noted. Only one of nine (11.1%) patients with radiographic pulmonary atelectasis exhibited clinical symptoms (three of 10 or 30% control). In patients with PEPD and pectoralis musculocutaneous flaps, 22 of 45 (48.9%) had evidence of pulmonary atelectasis in contrast to 13 of 32 or 40.6% controls. There were two of 45 (4.4%) who had major pulmonary atelectasis with zero of 32 in the nonflap group. For flaps larger than 40 cm², the incidence was 19 of 39 (48.7%) with two of 39 (5.1%) scored as major pulmonary atelectasis. The clinical correlation for this group and the major pulmonary atelectasis group was each approximately 50% compared to 15.4% for nonflap patients. These results indicate that, although the incidence of radiographic pulmonary atelectasis in the first 24-hour postoperative period is high, there is no clinical correlation with the exception of patients with PEPD. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

The combined composite pectoralis major and minor osteomusculocutaneous flap

Combining the pectoralis major and minor into a single flap can provide a much longer vascularized segment of bony rib than if the pectoralis major is used alone. This result is possible because of the periosteal vessels emerging from the origins of the pectoralis major and minor. Both muscular attachments are contiguous. The particular characteristics of this flap make it useful for reconstructive surgery of the head and neck when transposed locally, or for other distant regions when microsurgery is attempted.     

The trapezius musculocutaneous FLAP in head and neck reconstruction: Potential pitfalls

Defects resulting from bulky tumor resection of the head and neck region represent a reconstructive challenge. The trapezius musculocutaneous paddle flap based on the transverse cervical vessels is a useful tool for the reconstructive surgeon. Failure to recognize the variable anatomy is discussed in relation to other musculocutaneous flaps used for the purpose of head and neck reconstruction. The trapezius muscle has a variably located vasculature and diverse nomenclature. The knowledge of the variance of its anatomical vasculature is essential in the successful use of the trapezius musculocutaneous flap.     

An unusual complication of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap

The development of myocutaneous flaps has been a major advance in reconstructive surgery of the head and neck. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap has proven to be the most reliable and versatile for use in this area. There have been several reports of its advantages with few complications noted. This article reports two patients who developed osteomyelitis of the rib in the donor area of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. The etiology of this potentially serious complication is discussed and the management is outlined.     

Evaluation of reconstructive techniques of oropharyngeal defects

Despite recent advances in radiation therapy and chemotherapy, surgical procedures remain the primary modality of head and neck cancer therapy. Adequate surgical resection frequently requires the removal of significant amounts of tissue. The primary concern of the reconstructive surgeon is the restoration of a functional aerodigestive tract. In addition to the prolongation of life, the quality of that life should be taken into consideration. The records of 25 patients undergoing oropharyngeal reconstruction for tumors stage 3 or 4 in the 4-year period from 1983 to 1986 were reviewed. After surgical extirpation, reconstruction was performed using either a pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap or a microvascular free flap. Results were evaluated with emphasis on both the intraoperative and postoperative course. The length of the procedure, time of initiation of oral feedings, time of decannulation, postoperative complications, time of discharge, and quality of life after discharge were considered. Those patients reconstructed with microvascular free flaps were able to tolerate oral feedings sooner and were discharged sooner than those patients reconstructed with pectoralis musculocutaneous flaps. In addition, the patients with pectoralis flaps were twice as likely to have local complications (e.g., superficial wound infection, fistula) as those with free flaps. The quality of the patient's life with respect to deglutition and intelligibility of speech was likewise better for those patients reconstructed with microvascular free flaps. The explanation of these results is presented.     

The pectoralis major myocutaneous island flap for reconstruction of the head and neck.

The anatomy, design, and blood supply of the pectoralis major myocutaneous island flap are described. This versatile, nondelayed flap has, for the most part, replaced the usual cutaneous flaps. Clinical examples of its use in head and neck reconstructive surgery are presented.     

The pectoralis major myocutaneous island flap for reconstruction of the head and neck

The anatomy, design, and blood supply of the pectoralis major myocutaneous island flap are described. This versatile, nondelayed flap has, for the most part, replaced the usual cutaneous flaps. Clinical examples of its use in head and neck reconstructive surgery are presented.     

Intraoral soft tissue reconstruction after cancer ablation: a comparison of the pectoralis major flap and the free radial forearm flap

We compared, by retrospective chart review, the free radial forearm flap and the pectoralis major flap in repairing intraoral soft tissue defects resulting from tumor ablation. Statistical significance of differences was determined using Fisher's exact test and chi-square analysis. Fifty-one free flap and 126 musculocutaneous flap transfers were analyzed. The former were used more often for defects in the anterior part of the oral cavity, whereas the latter were used more frequently in the posterior part. Significantly more patients with pectoralis major flap transfers had late-stage (T3 and T4) disease than did those in the free radial forearm flap group (p = 0.004). Also, the complication rate was significantly higher in the pectoralis major flap group (p = 0.01); this was due to differences in the rates of dehiscence, fistula formation, and flap loss. We thus conclude that, despite the need for microsurgery, the free radial forearm flap is at least as reliable as the pectoralis major flap and that the choice of flap should be based on defect considerations rather than on the perceived reliability of the reconstructive method.     

A CLINICAL STUDY OF THE USE OF MUSCULOCUTANEOUS ISLAND FLAPS FOR RECONSTRUCTION IN HEAD AND NECK SURGERY

Eleven cases of the musculocutaneous island flap (MCIF) and their use in major reconstructions for head and neck surgery are described. Methods used in investigating the blood supply of these flaps in cadaver specimens are discussed as well as the use of radionuclear scanning of the blood supply of the flaps in postoperative patients.     

The correction of postburn deformation of the neck using a musculocutaneous flap from the major pectoral muscle

In 15 patients with the postburn neck deformation, the plasty with a musculocutaneous flap of the musculus pectoralis major was employed. Use of the technique permits to avoid prolonged immobilization of a neck. A good functional and cosmetic result has been noted.     

Tumour spread in a delto-pectoral pedicle flap used in reconstruction of the lower jaw: case report

A number of well-established pedicled flaps, including for example the delto-pectoral and pectoralis major flaps, are used in reconstructive work following excision of head and neck tumours. The most commonly encountered tumours of the head and neck spread predominantly via the lymphatic system and during the time between the insetting of a flap and the division of its pedicle some micro-lymphatic continuity of flow must develop from the site of insertion down the flap to its pedicle. This may form a route for spread of tumour when the primary lesion has been inadequately excised. A case report is presented.     

Head and neck reconstruction: a review of 117 cases

The reconstruction of defects of the head and neck, no matter the cause, begins with a careful assessment of the patient and the defect. Ideally, it ends with the successful execution of the reconstructive procedure that optimally restores form and function with minimal morbidity. There are several treatment possibilities that differ in their indications, technical difficulty, safety, and incidence of complications. This is a review over a period of 13 years of 117 cases of head and neck reconstruction performed by the author. Sixty-eight patients were treated with five different musculocutaneous pedicled flaps, mainly during the first half of the 13-year period. Those based on the pectoral major and latissimus dorsi were the most frequently utilized, mainly in pharyngolaryngeal reconstructions and sometimes as osteomyocutaneous flaps for oromandibular defects. Forty-nine patients had microvascular reconstructive procedures with 12 different types of free flaps. The latissimus dorsi flap was used for reconstruction of the scalp and after excision of intracranial lesions, whereas the serratus anterior or rectus abdominis free flaps were utilized for reconstruction of complex defects of the middle-third of the face. The radial forearm flap and the free jejunum have become the choice for intraoral and pharyngoesophageal reconstruction, respectively. Good results were obtained in both functional and social rehabilitation of the patients. There were three flap losses due to thrombosis of the microvascular anastomosis. There was no surgical mortality. The indications for each pedicled and free flap are discussed. Received: 27 October 1999 / Accepted: 22 June 2000     

Arteriovenous fistulas for microvascular head and neck reconstruction

BACKGROUND:

In head and neck cancer patients, multiple surgeries and radiation can leave the neck depleted of recipient vessels appropriate for microvascular reconstruction. The creation of temporary arteriovenous fistulas using venous interposition for subsequent microvascular reconstruction has rarely been reported in the head and neck. The authors report the largest series of temporary arteriovenous loops for head and neck reconstruction in vessel-depleted necks.

METHODS:

The authors performed a case series of major head and neck reconstructions using temporary arteriovenous fistulas with a saphenous vein graft. A subclavian surgical approach was used. All reconstructions were performed at least two weeks after the creation of the initial fistula.

RESULTS:

The authors have performed nine reconstructive cases for malignancy using five different free flaps. The subclavian and transerve cervical arteries were used, and the subclavian, internal jugular and cephalic veins were used for microanastomosis. Two cases of flap hematoma and one case of venous pedicle compression were recorded. No cases of flap failure were reported.

CONCLUSIONS:

Reconstruction using temporary arteriovenous fistulas is a reliable technique that can be used in the vessel-depleted neck, with excellent outcomes in experienced hands.     

Use of the latissimus dorsi flap in head and neck reconstructive microsurgery

Reconstructive surgery of the head and neck has particularly benefited from the rapid developments in microsurgery. Resection of tumours from the head and neck which are associated with serious physical and psychological problems, or which often require multiple reconstructive procedures, can now be performed as a single-stage procedure with good oncological and functional results. The present series reports on the treatment of 12 primary or recurrent malignant tumours of the head and neck using the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap. Complications consisted of two venous thromboses which required revision of the anastomoses. The oncological and functional results were good, while the aesthetic outcome was fair. We conclude that the latissimus dorsi muscle or musculocutaneous free flap is the method of choice to repair wide defects of the head and neck following the resection of malignant tumours. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Pharyngocutaneous fistulas in advanced cancer: closure with musculocutaneous or muscle flaps

Two hundred cases of head and neck cancer were reviewed and 16 pharyngocutaneous fistulas identified, for an incidence of 6 percent. The fistulas were closed with pectoralis major muscle flaps in four patients, pectoralis musculocutaneous flaps in seven patients, sternocleidomastoid muscle flaps in four patients, and latissimus dorsi flaps in two patients. Four types of fistulas were identified, and flap selection was determined by fistula location. Successful closure was obtained in 15 patients (88 percent), although one patient died from recurrence with a persistent fistula.     

Transaxillary latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction in head and neck cancer. Limitations and refinements in 56 cases

The transaxillary latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap is suitable whenever a large volume of tissue is required for head and neck reconstruction. Fifty-six transaxillary latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap reconstructions were performed in 55 patients. There were two cases of complete flap necrosis and eight cases of partial flap necrosis. The latissimus dorsi vascular pedicle is separate from the irradiated field. The pedicled latissimus dorsi flap provides coverage of the orbitocranium, including the supraorbital region and central portion of the upper face. In the event that the pedicled latissimus dorsi flap does not reach far enough cephalad, the nutrient vessels may be separated from the axillary artery and anastomosed to vessels in the neck. Combined defects of the esophagus, mandibulofacial region, and neck may be reconstructed with a single large latissimus dorsi flap. Hairless skin particularly suitable for oral cavity reconstruction is usually available. Aesthetic and functional deficits are minimal after latissimus dorsi reconstruction. Disadvantages of this technique include repositioning of the patient, increased blood loss, and longer operating time. Permanent brachial plexus injury may occur. The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap should not be used when defects can be reconstructed by simpler methods.