Abstract: Objective To explore the feasibility of the expanded lateral thoracic pedicle flap in repairing the large defect of face and neck.Methods Ten patients with burn scars on face and neck were treated with the expanded lateral thoracic pedicle flap.At the first stage,tissue expander was embedded in the lateral thoracic area.After an interval of 4 to 6 months during which the tissue expander was sufficiently inflated,the scar on head and neck was removed,and the expanded lateral thoracic flap was elevated and transferred to restore the defect of head and neck region in second stage.Ultrasonic examinations were employed before both operations.Before flap transfer,a delay procedure was performed to assure better flap viability.Results This pedicle flap was based either on the lateral thoracic artery,the thoracodorsal artery,or the accessory-lateral thoracic artery and their vena comitans.Nine patients had satisfactory outcomes with 3 to 15 months of follow-up.One patient suffered from partial flap necrosis in the distal part of the flap,and was repaired by skin grafting.All of the donor sites were primarily closed.Conclusion The expanded lateral thoracic pedicle flap can provide another option for head and neck reconstruction with optimal skin color,texture and minimal donor site morbidities.

Key words: Lateral thoracic flap, Tissue expander, Pedicle fl