DOI: 10.26650/iuitfd.1819927 ISSN: 1305-6441

A CONVENTIONAL APPROACH TO IRREPAIRABLE HEAD AND NECK DEFECTS WITH NON-MICROSURGICAL TECHNIQUES: THE ROLE OF THE ANTERIOR CHEST WALL

Ömer Akpınar, Dicle Aksöyler, Erol Kozanoğlu, Aydın Arslan
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in patients with complex head and neck defects who were unsuitable for microsurgical reconstruction due to advanced age, comorbidities, or prior radiotherapy.Materials and Methods: A retrospective evaluation was conducted on seven patients who underwent anterior chest wall pedicled flap reconstruction between 2019 and 2024. The selection of flaps, such as deltopectoral, cervicopectoral, and pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps, was determined by the patient's risk profile and defect features. Analysis was done on demographic information, hospital stays, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), and problems following surgery.Results: The mean age was 68 years. Deep neck infection, radiation-related problems, and oncologic resection were among the indications. Three deltopectoral, one cervicopectoral, and three pectoralis major flaps were used. There was no complete flap loss. Conservative management was used for minor problems. The mean ICU stay was three days, and the mean hospital stay was 13 days.Conclusion: Anterior chest wall pedicled flaps remain reliable alternatives for complex head and neck reconstruction in high-risk patients, offering stable coverage with acceptable complication rates.

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