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Background

The pectoralis major myocutaneous pedicled (PMMP) flap is still considered by many a workhorse flap in head and neck (H&N) reconstruction, despite free flap surgery advancing. The authors aimed to examine this claim and associated myths and controversies by analyzing literature trends and revealing the role of the PMMP flap in a well-established microsurgery center.

Methods

The senior author’s reconstructive H&N practice between 1995 and 2022 was reviewed to describe and critically judge primary and secondary PMMP flap decisions to provide invaluable lessons learned and debunk common controversies related to complex H&N reconstruction. A literature review from 1978 to 2022 evaluated PMMP flap articles from plastic surgery and allied H&N specialties, with a deeper analysis on publications from 2010 onward.

Results

In 27 years of practice, the senior author performed 2871 major H&N reconstructions, including 27 PMMP flaps. Both primary (13/27) and secondary (14/27) PMMP flaps decreased over time. Indications shifted from external skin compromise (fistulae/metastases) to complex medical morbidity and high-risk neck status. Neck status was increasingly evaluated based on any previous violation, surgical or irradiative, rather than simply number of remaining vessels. A literature review revealed an ongoingly abundant and primary PMMP flap use, largely by non-plastic surgeons.

Conclusion

The PMMP flap can and should be reserved for complex, high-risk or free flap-exhausted cases. Thus, current indications deserve redefinition. Multidisciplinary collaboration in specialized centers with plastic surgeons is imperative to ensure appropriate reconstructive rational and protect patient outcomes, as changing reconstructive hands and starting anew risks reconstructive regression.