[Role of musculocutaneous flaps in pelvibuccopharyngectomy].

Musculocutaneous flaps were used for reconstruction after excision of large base of tongue or lateral oropharyngeal wall tumors in 50 patients, the most frequently employed flap in both regions being one from pectoralis major. Results showed marked reliability for these types of flaps for repair in these two areas, and they have now supplanted conventional single pedicle skin flaps. Various flaps supplying different useful surfaces are required, the platysma or sternocleidomastoid muscles being used for small areas, the pectoral or trapezius muscles for medium sized gaps and the latissimus dorsi for extensive repairs. Postoperative and functional results were improved both after initial or repeat operations. The possibility of more extensive excisions should improve prognosis of these tumors, their severity being partly related to local recurrence. It is too early to conclude definitely in their use in initial surgery, but they are valid procedures following failure of radiotherapy, enabling certain patients to be treated again after 3 years in the absence of any other therapy.