The platysma myocutaneous flap: another option for oral cavity reconstruction

• Main Authors: Putra, Primurharsa, Raja Lope Ahmad, Raja Ahmad Al'konee, Mahmud, Ridzo
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2007
• Subjects: RF Otorhinolaryngology
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/17000/1/Platysma_Abstract_IAOO_2007.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/17000/
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

Introduction The platysma myocutaneous flap have been described by a variety of learned leaders in head and neck surgery. Its advantages includes: thin, pliable and does not require special surgical skill, equipment, or technique to harvest. Methods A retrospective analysis of our experience with 5 patients who received a platysma myocutaneous flap for reconstruction of oral cavity defects is presented. Results Four patients underwent hemiglossectomy and one patient underwent soft palate excision with either radical, modified radical or supraomohyoid neck dissection. In 4 cases the facial artery was spared and in 1 case the facial artery was sacrificed. Only one complication was encountered i.e fistula formation. Adjuvant post-operative radiotherapy was given to 4 patients. The average hospital stay was 11-16 days. Their speech and swallowing function was fairly good. Conclusion These results indicate that the platysma myocutaneous flap is a viable alternative in head and neck reconstruction.