Posterior trapezius myocutaneous flap.

Abstract

Since last decade, myocutaneous flaps have appeared among the most versatile and safest options for the reconstruction of defects caused by large oncological resections, in the head and neck area. Undoubtedly, the myocutaneous flap of the pectoralis major muscle is the most widespread and accepted, due to the long experience obtained through its use. Nevertheless, it presents some restrictions related not only to its rotation arch, but also to the esthetic consequences for the donor site in females. Over the last years, there has been a growing interest in the posterior trapezius myocutaneous flap (PTMF), which proved to be a valuable alternative for reconstruction in selected cases. The experience of the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, at the University of São Paulo Medical School-Hospital das Clínicas, using this technique, is reported here in a detailed description.