Midface soft tissue reconstruction with the facio-cervico-pectoral flap

Abstract

The reconstruction of large soft tissue defects in the orbital and maxillomalar region is a difficult task. A good functional and aesthetic result has to be achieved. The cervicopectoral rotation flap has many advantages; it is easy, rapid and safe to harvest, compatible with cervical dissection and radiotherapy. It is an anatomical unit, with skin properties similar to the rest of the facial skin. This is our pedicle flap of choice for large soft tissue defects in the midface, specially in elderly patients. We use it in association with the temporalis myofascial flap in cases of orbital exenteration. In large defects, the alternatives to these flaps are microsurgical free flaps or other pedicled flaps. These flaps require more complex techniques, are time consuming surgically, have greater morbidity and equal or worse functional and aesthetic results. In this paper we present our experience. Twenty-two patients with large soft tissue defects in the maxillomalar and orbital regions have had reconstructions with these flaps (facio-cervico-pectoral rotation flap and temporalis myofascial flap) in the last 8 years.