The Delto-pectoral flap and composite resection

1. Of the 9 cases of Bakamjian flap technique presented here, 4 encountered no postoperative problem, 4 developed various degrees of flap breakdown and I died with persistent tumour. 2. The use of pedicle flaps in the closure of large oral, pharyngeal and hypopharyngeal surgical defects is a feasible method of reducing the morbidity and cosmetic defects attendant with composite resection of tumours in this area. 3. Basic surgical principles of blood replacement, avoidance of pressure in the flap regions and prophylactic antibiotics must be undertaken for optimal results. 4. The amount of irradiation received by the recipient site did not appear to affect the viability of the pedicle flaps in this small series. 5. The decision of non-rectability must be made with full knowledge that closure of large defects may be accomplished.