Defect closure after oral and pharyngeal tumor resection with the superiorly pedicled myocutaneous platysma flap: indications, technique, and complications

This study evaluated the myocutaneous platysma flap (MPF) as an alternative to free flaps for closing defects after head and neck tumor resection in selected cases. MPFs were used to close small to medium-sized full-thickness oral and pharyngeal defects after surgery for tumors staged cT1-3 (oral cavity 37.1%, oropharynx 24.3%, hypopharynx 38.6%) in 70 patients. Flap-related complications developed in 27% of cases (partial necrosis 7%, total necrosis 3%, salivary fistula 11.4%, bleeding/hematoma 5.7%) and donor-site complications in 10%. Defect closure was adequate in 97%; 62.5% of the patients required intraoperative tracheotomies (closed again in 72.5%). Postoperative swallowing was not significantly disturbed in 72% of the patients. The MPF allows closure of small to medium-sized defects in the head and neck region in selected patients, with acceptable aesthetic and functional outcomes. The success rate (>90%) is comparable with surgical alternatives associated with considerably greater surgical effort and risk.