Pectoral and trapezoidal flaps for reconstruction of full-thickness post-resection defect in combination treatment of locally advanced buccal cancer

Abstract

The study objective is to compare short-term results of reconstruction of a full-thickness defect of the cheek using pectoral and trapezoidal flaps. Materials and methods . Examination and treatment of 21 patients with locally advanced buccal cancer were performed at the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Clinical Oncologic Dispensary in 2007–2018. Results . Flap necrosis developed in 7 (33 %) patients: in 3 patients total, in 4 – marginal. No postoperative mortality was observed. For pectoral flap reconstruction, necrosis was observed in 2 cases (marginal necrosis of the skin graft). For trapezoidal flap buccal reconstruction, necrosis was observed in 5 patients (total in 3, marginal in 2). Conclusion . Use of a trapezoidal flap is limited due to its anatomical characteristics and is associated with higher rate of necrosis despite better esthetic characteristics compared to a pectoral flap. Despite its larger volume compared to trapezoidal flap, pectoral flap has better blood supply which leads to low rate of necrosis.