Expanded deltopectoral flaps for treatment of cervical cicatricial contracture

Objective To investigate the application of expanded dehopectoral flaps for treatment of cervical cicatricial contracture. Methods The cervical cicatricial contracture was corrected in 18 cases with unilateral expanded deltopectoral flaps and 2 cases with bilateral expanded deltopectoral flaps. The size of scar ranged from 8 cm ×5 cm to 12 cm × 13 cm. The size of the unilateral expanded dehopectoral flaps ranged from 9 cm × 16 cm to 12 cm × 18 cm. The defects in donor sites were closed directly. The infraclavicula incision was designed. The flaps were delayed 3 weeks after flap transfer. The pedicle was cut off 4 weeks later. Results From 2007 to 2009, 20 cases with cervical cicatricial contracture were treated with expanded dehopectoral flaps. All the flaps were survived. 6 cases were followed up for 6 months with satisfactory results in 5 cases and conspicuous scar in 1 case. Conclusions Expanded dehopectoral flap is very suitable for large size of cervical eicatricial contracture. Key words: Surgical flaps;  Soft tissue expansion;  Cicatrix