Mandibular reconstruction using pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi osteomusculocutaneous flaps following resection of oral cancer

Abstract

Six patients of oral cancer underwent transplantation of pectoralis major or latissimus dorsi osteomusculocutaneous flap (OMCF) for the immediate reconstruction of defects after tumor resection with block resection of mandible were reviewed. Of these cases, 4 were untreated advanced cancers, 2 were recurrent cancers.
Reconstructive osteomusculocutaneous flaps were composed of pectoralis major-rib OMCF in 1 case, of latissimus dorsi-rib OMCF in 2 cases, and of pectoralis major-sternum OMCF in 3 cases. All cases were successful except for the case of pectoralis major-rib OMCF.
Pectoralis major-sternum OMCF is most useful functionally and aesthetically in the three methods.
Recently it has been reported that micro vascular osteocutaneous transfer using the scapular flap and others are useful for complex mandibular reconstruction, but pedicled OMCF will be of utility value for mandibular reconstruction, due to the fact that it can be raised easily in a short time.