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The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in head and neck reconstruction

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Abstract

The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMC flap) represents a landmark in the development of head and neck reconstructive surgery. After Stephan Ariyan first described its use for head and neck reconstruction in 1979, it has become tremendously popular and has revolutionised head and neck cancer surgery. Here, we present our initial experience with fourteen PMMC flaps in head and neck reconstruction. In most of the instances it was used for oral or oropharyngeal reconstruction. It was used for five other reconstructive tasks as well. Wound infection was the most common complication. There was no case of total flap loss. It has proven to be a reliable method of reconstuction in the head and neck.

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Rajan, R., Reddy, S. & Rajan, R. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in head and neck reconstruction. IJO & HNS 49, 368–373 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02994653

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