Download PDF
J Reconstr Microsurg 2013; 29(07): 461-464
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1343957
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

The Total Pectoralis Major Muscle Myocutaneous Free Flap

Geoffrey G. Hallock
1   Divison of Plastic Surgery, Sacred Heart Hospital, Allentown, Pennsylvania
2   St. Luke's Hospital, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

15 December 2012

30 December 2012

Publication Date:
24 April 2013 (online)

Also available at
    Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

Even though the pectoralis major muscle has many similarities to the latissimus dorsi muscle, only the latter has a reputation as a “workhorse” free flap. Nevertheless, the former in special circumstances can provide a muscle flap of comparable surface area when used in its totality along with a skin paddle, with a consistent pedicle of large caliber, that causes minimal functional disturbance. However, the pedicle is very short, and vein grafts may be necessary to reach any recipient site. Nevertheless, the total pectoralis major muscle myocutaneous flap may be the largest free flap available when the patient must be kept in a supine position and no perforator flaps are reasonably available.

Keywords

pectoralis major muscle free flap - microsurgery
 

  • References

  • 1 Ariyan S. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. A versatile flap for reconstruction in the head and neck. Plast Reconstr Surg 1979; 63 (1) 73-81
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 2 McLean JN, Carlson GW, Losken A. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap revisited: a reliable technique for head and neck reconstruction. Ann Plast Surg 2010; 64 (5) 570-573
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 3 Mathes SJ, Nahai F. Classification of the vascular anatomy of muscles: experimental and clinical correlation. Plast Reconstr Surg 1981; 67 (2) 177-187
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 4 Corten EML, Schellekens PPA, Bleys RLAW, Hage JJ, Kon M. The segmental pectoralis major free flap: anatomical features of its vascular pedicle. Ann Plast Surg 2006; 56 (1) 82-86
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 5 Yeh JT, Chen HC, Laverty LA, Wei FC, Lin CH. Conversion from pedicled to free flap for salvage of the compromised pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in head and neck reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg 2004; 114 (1) 152-157
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 6 Corten EML, Hage JJ, Schellekens PPA, Kreulen M, Kon M. Clinical application and outcome of the segmental pectoralis major free flap in five head and neck patients. Plast Reconstr Surg 2009; 123 (5) 1462-1467
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 7 Zenn MR, Jones G. Pectoralis Major Flap, Reconstructive Surgery: Anatomy, Technique, and Clinical Applications. St. Louis: Quality Medical Publishing; 2012
    Google Scholar
  • 8 Reid CD, Taylor GI. The vascular territory of the acromiothoracic axis. Br J Plast Surg 1984; 37 (2) 194-212
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 9 Hallock GG, Morris SF. Skin grafts and local flaps. Plast Reconstr Surg 2011; 127 (1) 5e-22e
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 10 Hallock GG. Delayed abdominal wall reconstruction of giant ventral hernias using the anterolateral thigh free flap for skin coverage. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2012; 73 (4) 1028-1030
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar