The deltopectoral flap in full-thickness cheek defect: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Defects caused after tumor resection should be closed with flaps that match the neighboring cheek's skin. PRESENTATION OF CASE: the authors report a patient diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma and its management. A 50-year-old man patient presented with a painless slow swelling in the left cheek, which had increased in size in the last four months, tobacco smoking, and alcohol intake for 15 years. Clinical examination revealed left cheek swelling without any lymph nodes at the palpation. DISCUSSION: Reconstruction of the full-thickness is a real challenge. The deltopectoral flap offers several advantages despite the increasing use of microvascular reconstruction; technically is a simple and reliable flap that is preferred for the reconstruction of large through-and-through defects after resection of oral carcinoma. Preoperative planning of flap and early recognition of issues can avoid postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: This reconstruction technique was demonstrated in large, full-thickness defects involving the cheek.