Pectoralis major, sternomastoid, and other musculocutaneous flaps for head and neck reconstruction.

The development of the new myocutaneous flaps has ushered in an era of one-stage reconstructions that have already changed the patterns of surgery for head and neck cancer. The availability, the technical ease of the surgical procedures, and the reliability of these compound flaps make them very attractive for widespread use for reconstructions at a variety of sites. The experience gained from the use of these new flaps has confirmed their safety and versatility. They have decreased the disability and shortened the hospital stay for these patients.