Reconstruction of perforating defects of the maxillofacial region with double flaps]

OBJECTIVE: To solve the problems in restoration of perforating (full thickness) defects in the maxillofacial region. METHODS: Double flaps have been used to reconstruct the defects. Forty-five patients with full thickness defects on the maxillofacial region were treated with 90 flaps, including 58 (64%) deltopectoral flaps, the platysma myocutaneous flap, pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, sternomastoid myocutaneous flap, forehead flap and latissimus myocutaneous flap. RESULTS: The operation results were satisfactory. Of the 90 flaps, 87 flaps survived completely or subtotally with a successful rate of 97%. Three flaps sustained total or large necrosis. CONCLUSION: A number of flaps can be used for repairing the full thickness defects of the maxillofacial region, especially the deltopectoral flap, the platysma myocutaneous flap and the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. They can provide excellent external cover or internal lining. They are well vascularized, hairless and colour-matched.