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Management of carotid artery exposure with pectoralis major myofascial flap transfer and split-thickness skin coverage

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

C. R. Leemans ,
A. J. M. Balm ,
R. T. Gregor  and
F. J. M. Hilgers
C. R. Leemans
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, The Netherlands Cancer Institute (Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Ziekenhuis), Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Head and neck oncology fellow of the Dutch Cancer Society (NKB/KWF).
A. J. M. Balm*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, The Netherlands Cancer Institute (Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Ziekenhuis), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
R. T. Gregor
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, The Netherlands Cancer Institute (Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Ziekenhuis), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
F. J. M. Hilgers
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, The Netherlands Cancer Institute (Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Ziekenhuis), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
*
A. J. M. Balm, M.D., The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract

The risk for post-operative exposure of the carotid artery due to skin flap necrosis after major head and neck surgery is increased after previous radiation and in severely malnourished patients. Eight patients are described who presented with an (imminent) carotid exposure one to eight weeks after surgery. Pectoralis major myofascial flap transfer with split thickness skin graft coverage was used for protection of the carotid artery. All cases were managed successfully and healed primarily in two to four weeks with acceptable cosmesis. We advocate immediate treatment in the event of an exposed carotid (or imminent exposure) by a pectoralis major myofascial flap with split-thickness skin grafting.

Keywords

Carotid arteriesPectoralis musclesSkinSurgical flaps
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 109 , Issue 12 , December 1995 , pp. 1176 - 1180
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1995

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