Publication:

Supraclavicular artery island flap in the reconstruction of oral cavity cancer defects

Background Microvascular free flaps are the standard of care in the reconstruction of head and neck resection defects, however they need a significant surgical expertise and increase the operative time. Supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) is a versatile fasciocutaneous flap that offers the advantage of both, a regional flap (easy to harvest) and a free flap (thin and pliable) in the head and neck reconstruction.

Methods In this study we analysed the utility of this flap for the oral cavity cancer defect reconstruction done in 12 consecutive cases.

Results There were 8 males and 4 females with a mean age of 54.75 years. The oral cavity subsites were as follows: buccal 3 (25%); tongue 3 (25%); lower alveolus 2 (16.66%); floor of mouth 1 (8.33%); gingivobuccal sulcus 2 (16.66%); retromolar trigone 01(8.33%).The excisional defect size ranged from 4×2 cm to 6×3 cm with a mean size of 5×3 cm. The mean harvest time was 45 minutes (range 35 min - 65 min). We had complete flap loss in 2 (16.66%) patients and partial flap loss in 1 (8.33%) patient. Donor site wound gape was noted in 2 (16.66%) patients. The hospital stay ranged from 7 days to 10 days in non-complicated cases. The mean follow up period was of 8.58 months.

Conclusions SCAIF is versatile, easy to harvest, safe and reliable in selective cases of oral cavity cancers and a potential alternative regional flap in head and neck reconstruction.