The Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap for Intraoral Reconstruction: Surgical Complications and Their Treatment

The pectoralis major myocutaneous (PM-MC) flap was used for intra-oral reconstruction in 7 patients. Major necrosis did not occur in any of the cases, but minor necrosis did in two cases. In 2 cases an oro-cutaneous fistula was observed. Furthermore, in 2 cases severe facial oedema was experienced, which seemed attributable to circulatory disturbance in the part of the face where the flap was inserted. Muscle atrophy of the flap was observed in greater or lesser degree in all cases. In all cases the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap was used for the purpose of intraoral reconstruction. Intraoral reconstruction involves considerations different from transplantation in other sites. It is the purpose of this paper to present an updated review of our experience with 7 consecutive pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps, including the complications and their treatment.