title: Evaluation of the pectoralis major flap for reconstructive head and neck surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) is a commonly used flap in reconstructive head and neck surgery, but in literature, the flap is also associated with a high incidence of complications in addition to its large bulk. The purpose of the study is the evaluation of the reliability and indication of this flap in reconstructive head and neck surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  The records of all patients treated with a PMMF between 1998 and 2009 were systematically reviewed. Data of recipient localization, main indication, and postoperative complications were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The male to female ratio was 17:3, with a mean age of 60 years (45-85). Indications in 7 patients were recurrence of a squamous cell carcinoma, in one case an osteoradionecrosis and in 12 cases an untreated squamous cell carcinoma. In 6 male patients (30%), a complication appeared leading to another surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The PMMF is a flap for huge defects in head and neck reconstructive surgery, in particular when a bulky flap is needed in order to cover the carotid artery or reconstructive surgery, but the complication rate should not be underestimated in particular after radiotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Craniomaxillofacial and Oral Surgery, University of Zurich, Switzerland. astridkruse@gmx.ch
authors.forename: Astrid L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Kruse
authors.forename: Heinz T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Luebbers
authors.forename: Joachim A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Obwegeser
authors.forename: Marius
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bredell
authors.forename: Klaus W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Grätz
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010369:Pectoralis Muscles / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps