RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap has been considered for decades the workhorse in head and neck reconstruction. However, the disadvantages of the pectoralis flap include the morbidity of the donor site in terms of cosmetic and functional results. A silicone pectoral implant can be used to solve such aesthetic chest deformity in male patients. METHODS: A 33-years-old man with a history of cervical tracheoesophageal fistula after a blunt trauma due to a motorcycle accident, previously reconstructed with a pectoralis major flap, consulted our Plastic Surgery Department for an aesthetic defect of the donor site . The use of an anatomical pectoral implant was planned with the aim of aesthetic reshaping of the male chest. A pocket was created following the preoperative design to position a 190 cc pectoral implant. Dissection was performed in a subcutaneous plane that included the underneath adipose tissue layer and then over the pectoralis minor and the serratus muscle. Three months later, in a second stage, lipofilling of the depressed areas was performed with 100 ml of adipose tissue obtained from the abdomen. RESULTS: After two years of follow-up, the patient obtained a satisfactory aesthetic result, with an improvement in the projection of the thorax and the symmetry of the body contour. As the implant was placed into the subcutaneous pocket, no functional compromise in shoulder flexion or adduction was detected during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The pectoral implant technique seems safe and provides reshaping of the male chest wall, significantly improving the cosmetic appearance of the patient. In addition, its use with associated procedures such as lipofilling allows optimal results to be obtained. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case to describe the use of a pectoral implant to solve donor site morbidity after pectoralis flap harvesting for any reconstructive purpose. Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
RESUMO
INTRODUÇÃO: Revisão da literatura sobre o retalho miocutâneo inferior do músculo trapézio, apresentando suas vantagens, técnica cirúrgica e complicações. MÉTODOS: Estudo de 19 casos tratados no INCA, através de técnica específica, e comparação dos dados com a literatura internacional. RESULTADOS: Todas as reconstruções atingiram seus objetivos, com correção dos defeitos em partes moles e pele. O efeito estético foi considerado bom pelos pacientes e pela equipe médica. Foi observada uma taxa de 21% de complicações. Não houve necrose ou infecção nos retalhos. Em relação às funções, 89,5% apresentaram função motora preservada e 10,5%, déficit funcional por acometimento tumoral do nervo acessório. CONCLUSÃO: A despeito do aprimoramento contínuo das técnicas microcirúrgicas, os retalhos miocutâneos pediculados ainda encontram indicações nas reconstruções após ressecções oncológicas alargadas. O retalho miocutâneo inferior do músculo trapézio é uma alternativa segura e aplicável para as reconstruções de partes moles das regiões cervicais lateral e posterior, da região lateral da cabeça, da região do ombro e para as regiões paraespinhal superior e paraescapulares.
INTRODUCTION: In this article, we present a literature review on the lower myocutaneous trapezius flap, and report its advantages, surgical technique, and complications. METHODS: We studied 19 patients treated at INCA with a specific technique, and compared the outcomes with those reported in the international literature. RESULTS: All reconstructions achieved the procedural objectives, and the defects of soft tissues and skin were repaired. The aesthetic outcome was considered satisfactory by the patients and medical staff. The rate of complications was 21%. No necrosis or signs of infection were detected in the flaps. Concerning the functions, 89.5% of patients preserved their motor function, whereas reduced functional movements were observed in 10.5% of the patients due to tumor invasion to the accessory nerve. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the continuous advancements in microsurgical techniques, pedicle myocutaneous flaps are still indicated for reconstruction procedures after extended cancer resections. The use of the lower trapezius myocutaneous flap is safe and represents a suitable option for the reconstruction of soft tissues of the lateral and posterior cervical regions, side of the head, shoulder, and upper paravertebral and parascapular regions.