Head and Neck Reconstruction using Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap in a Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

Introduction
The head and neck defects have multiple  reconstructive options available among which pectoralis major myocutaneous flap has remained a reliable option for reconstruction. This study aimed to evaluate outcome of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction in head and neck surgery.

Methods
This is a retrospective observational study done by analyzing the clinical records of 29 cases with reconstruction of head and neck defects due to various etiologies with PMMC flap from January 2021 to December 2025. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics version 25.

Results
Out of 29 cases, 21 were males and 8 were females. The most common pathology was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (n=27) (93.1%) that involved gingivobuccal sulcus in 12 cases (41.37%). It was followed by buccal mucosa (20.68%), floor of mouth (13.79%), one case each of lip and angle of left mandible (3.45%), tongue (10.34%) and retromolar trigone (6.9%). The PMMC flap had 100% survival rate no partial or total flap loss. However, the flap had complication rates of 34.48% in this study. Gingivobuccal sulcus accounted for most of the complications including four cases (13.79%) and it was followed by two cases each of buccal mucosa and floor of mouth (6.89%), one case each of tongue and lip (3.44%).

Conclusion
The PMMC flap showed complications like wound dehiscence, seroma and surgical site infection. However, it showed promising result regarding its survival rate and coverage of defects in head and neck.