Preliminary evaluation of the use of the pectoralis major (PM) myocutaneous flap.

The modified PM myocutaneous flap was applied in 75 cases between 1982 and 1986 for the closure of major defects of the oral cavity, meso- and hypopharynx and the neck region. Notwithstanding almost all of the patients had stage IV tumour, we had a good aesthetic and functional result. There was no total flap necrosis. In three cases the partial necrosis spontaneously regressed. The details of the operation techniques are compared with other reconstructive methods, the advantage of the PM flap is discussed.