title: Reconstruction of intermediate sized mucosal defects with the pectoralis major myofascial flap.
abstract: An uncovered pectoralis major muscle flap (PMF) was utilized in 12 patients for reconstruction of mucosal defects of intermediate size. The PMF is nonhair-bearing and thinner and more flexible than the myocutaneous flap. Epithelialization of the PMF occurs slowly but results in a mucosal surface that is nonkeratinized and closely resembles normal. The paddle of the PMF contracts as much as 75% during healing. However, none of our patients developed deficits attributable to contracture of the flap, presumably because only modest-sized defects were repaired. The PMF is useful for reconstruction of intermediate-sized defects approximately 6 x 6 cm, defects that are too large to close with local flaps and tend to be too small to be closed conveniently with a bulky myocutaneous flap. Contracture of the PMF precludes its use for reconstruction of large defects.
authors.affiliation: ENT Section, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Long Beach, California.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Moloy
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000601:surgery*; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D009960:Oropharynx / Q000601:surgery*; D010369:Pectoralis Muscles / Q000637:transplantation*; D010610:Pharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps