The versatility of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap.

A consecutive group of 50 patients requiring pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction after head and neck surgery is presented. The tissue defects for reconstruction are divided into five groups to identify any defects in which the flap is more likely to be at risk of complication. Other risk factors such as preoperative radiotherapy, chemotherapy plus radiotherapy, and septic recipient site are analyzed. Its particular use in a "Third World" type population is noted.