[Cervical chronic radiation ulceration reconstruction with flap after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the application of flaps or musculocutaneous flaps in repairing cervical postradiation ulcer (cpu) at nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Method: Deltopectoral flaps and pectoralis major flaps were applied to repair cervical radiation ulceration with different size and depth in 19 cases.

Result: Twelve cases repaired with deltopectoral flaps and 7 cases repaired with pectoralis major flaps, impaired wound healing happened at distal end of one deltopectoral flap, and the wound was healing hy second intention after debridement and dressing change. All the other deltopectoral flaps and pectoralis major flaps stayed alive. Flaps stayed alive without the recurrence of ulcer after the long-term follow-up for one to ten years.

Conclusion: The effectiveness of cervical radiation ulceration reconstruction by deltopectoral flaps and pectoralis major flaps was proved. The reconstruction could prevent the recurrence of ulcer. Refer to the poor prognosis of chronic radiation ulceration with expectant treatment, precautions do count.