Variations and Modifications of Far-Famed Pectoralis Major Flap: A Review of Literature

Abstract

The pectoralis major flap is undoubtedly a workhorse flap in the field of head and neck oncology even with the advent of free flaps. Lack of expertise and resources limits the use of free flap and still makes pectoralis major flap widely chosen. Head and neck cancer in advanced stage requires extensive resection entailing reconstruction of various sized defects which is possible only with a versatile flap. This flap is also a salvage flap when all the other options failed, since four decades. The purpose of this article is to highlight variations and modifications related to pectoralis major flap in head and neck reconstructive procedures. For this a thorough literature search was done using Medline and PubMed databases. Non-English language papers were excluded from the review. A total of 50 articles were obtained through verification of the title and abstract. Considering the relevance of the matter 32 articles were opted for the present review.