Abstract: Abstract: Objective To summarize the clinical outcomes of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for repairing large defects in oral and maxillofacial area after resection of malignant tumor. Methods The clinical data of 27 patients underwent resection of malignant tumor in oral and maxillofacial area and reconstructed with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap were collected in our hospital from August 1998 to January 2015. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps were harvested with sizes ranging from 6 cm×4 cm to 11 cm×9 cm. The major myocutaneous flaps were used to reconstruct the defects of oral mucosa in 26 cases, and flap was used to reconstruct the defect of facial skin in 1 case. Seventeen major myocutaneous flaps reached the neck via the subclavicular tunnel, the other 10 were transferred over the clavicle. Results After surgery, 20 flaps (74.1%) were survived completely, 6 were partial necrosis (22.2%) and one was total necrosis (3.7%). Thirteen cases showed postoperative complications (48.1%), in which 10 cases were wound infection (37.0%), including 8 patients with infection at the recipient site and 2 patients with infection at the donor site. The wound infection was found in all of 7 patients with flap necrosis. The other complications included wound dehiscence in 1 patient (3.7%), neck hematoma in 1 patient (3.7%), and lung infection in 1 patient (3.7%). Conclusion In order to avoid the flap necrosis and reduce wound infection at the recipient site, the major myocutaneous flap should be designed based on the characteristics of blood supply, and the vascular pedicle should be protected carefully in the operation.

Key words:  postoperative complications, reconstructive surgical procedures, pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, necrosis, oral and maxillofacial tumors, defects