A Comparative Study of Lateral Extension Versus Conventional Deltopectoral Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction After Surgical Extirpation of Tumor.

Background: We investigated outcomes for nondelayed conventional deltopectoral (CDP) flaps and lateral extension deltopectoral (LEDP) flaps.

Material And Methods: Fifteen CDP flaps and 17 LEDP flaps were raised in 32 patients. All flaps were nondelayed. The flaps were folded only in the LEDP flap group. Six of 17 LEDP flaps were folded to become bilayered flaps to repair full thickness defects. Flap success rates and complication rates were compared between the CDP flap and LEDP flap groups.

Results: Success rates were 93.33% in the CDP flap group and 94.12% in the LEDP flap group. Overall complication rates of the transferred flaps were 6.67% and 11.76% for CDP and LEDP flaps, respectively. Flap failure rates were 6.67% and 5.88% with CDP flaps and LEDP flaps, respectively.

Conclusions: Although the CDP flap is the "aged workhorse" in contemporary head and neck reconstructions, it was shown to be a beneficial regional flap with a dependable pedicle and easy technique. The LEDP flap is of value particularly when used to treat full thickness defects of the head and neck or in cases when higher reach is required.