A MODIFIED TECHNIQUE TO ENABLE THE BAKAMJIAN DLTOPECTORAL FLAP TO REACH AND COVER A MORE DISTANT DEFECT

Document Type : Original Article

Author

The Department of Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt

Abstract

Aim: Modifications were added to the standard technique of elevating Bakamjian deltopectotal flap by taking 
excess of the fascial component (which carries the subdermal vascular plexus feeding the skin). This
modification enabled the flap to reach at more distant sites safely. 
Patients and Methods: A prospective study which was done in the period between 2008 and 2012, six patients 
(4 males, 2 females) with different malignant skin lesions in whom surgical resections for cancer has resulted 
in skin defects above the zygomatic arch. For these patients the modified deltopectoral flap was used to cover 
the skin defects. Proper post-operative care and care to the flap were adopted.
Results: Four out of six patients passed uneventful convalescence with completely viable flaps. One patient 
showed partial distal flap discoloration. Total flap failure occurred in only one patient. 
Conclusion: This modified technique enable the deltopectoral flap to safely reach and cover skin defects 
above the zygomatic arch.

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