Five succinct key points
1. We successfully performed 9 SCAIF reconstructions for head and neck
defects in our hospital.
2. No complete flap loss or major complications occurred.
3. Three patients also had undergone pectoralis major myocutaneous flap
reconstruction at the same time.
4. There were no in-hospital deaths, and all patients were discharged
home with good outcomes.
5. A typical case was provided with detailed figures.
Key Words : Supraclavicular artery island flap, head and neck
cancer, reconstruction surgery
The head and neck have complex anatomical structures, which play
important roles in function and appearance. Thus, making reconstruction
of head and neck defect become a huge challenge for surgeon. Free tissue
transfer (FTT) continues to be the primary method for reconstruction for
head and neck defects. However, FTT requires proficiency in
microvascular anastomosis. It also takes more time and more cost. So, it
remains necessary to inquire on methods which is safer and more
cost-effective. In recent years, the supraclavicular artery island flap
(SCAIF) has emerged as a dependable source of reconstruction, which has
better skin color match and has many advantages in reliability and
versatility. We introduced the SCAIF flap into our department in 2017
and have successfully performed 9 SCAIF reconstructions for head and
neck defects. Here, we want to share our experience and discuss the key
technical aspects, hoping to improve the efficiency of reconstruction.
Materials and Methods We retrospectively evaluated a total of 9 patients who had undergone
SCAIF reconstruction for head and neck defects in our hospital between
October 2017 and June 2020. Once identified, the following data were
collected: Age, gender, primary disease, type of surgical defect, flap
harvest time, flap dimensions, length of hospital stay, complications of
both reconstruction site and donor site, and clinical outcomes. The
total follow-up duration was at least 3 months.
The reporting methods we used is retrospective medical chart review.
Data Analysis Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 19.0. Data were expressed
as the mean ± standard deviation.
All the work didn’t involve the use of animal or human subjects. This
was a retrospective medical chart
review and there is no identification of patients.