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.