the mandible. Outcomes included length of hospital stay, intraoperative complications, wound complications at the donor site, shoulder weakness on harvest side, flap necrosis or dehiscence, and need for repeat surgery. RESULTS:Median age of the patients was 77 years (range 68-78), and ratio of male to female was 5:3. Median length of stay was 11 days (range 10-15). 2 of the 8 patients had previous failed FFF. No intraoperative complications occurred. One of the patients had a wound infection at the donor site and none of the patients experienced shoulder weakness or experienced flap necrosis. 3 patients experienced partial intra-oral flap dehiscence that were managed conservatively and 2 patients experienced intra-oral dehiscence that required re-operation. CONCLUSION:The PLDF is a viable option for primary coverage of lateral head and neck defects due to its large bulk. Additionally, it serves as an important salvage option for patients with failed FFF. In comparison to the pectoralis muscle flap, it does not distort the breast anatomy/give an anterior scar, flap is more reliable, and frozen neck after radiation would be avoided. With the increasing incidence expected in head and neck lesions, this forgotten flap may prove to be more important for providing optimal wound coverage of these challenging lesions.
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