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A new method for closure of large donor side defects after raising the pectoralis major flap

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Abstract

Background

Although free flaps are reliable for head and neck reconstructions, the pectoralis major flap (PMF) is still often used. In cases of a large PMF, the closure of the donor side can be a challenge.

Case report

A technique, originally developed for the treatment and prevention of abdominal ruptures after laparotomy, is presented as an alternative for closure of large donor side defects.

Conclusion

The use of Ventrofil® is an additional option for large donor side defects and especially to bridge the period of postoperative swelling. If utilized special attention must be paid to possible pressure necrosis of the underlying skin.

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References

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Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank Mrs. Christa Giger for her great help with the photo documentation.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

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Correspondence to Astrid L. Kruse.

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Kruse, A.L., Luebbers, H.T., Grätz, K.W. et al. A new method for closure of large donor side defects after raising the pectoralis major flap. Oral Maxillofac Surg 15, 251–252 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10006-010-0245-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10006-010-0245-6

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