Supraclavicular Artery Island Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Case Series and Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION

Supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) is emerging as an efficient and reliable flap for various complex head and neck defects after tumor extirpation.

OBJECTIVE

To examine a series of cases using a SCAIF for head and reconstruction at our institution.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 8 patients who underwent SCAIF reconstruction of various head and neck defects from 2015 to 2018 at our institution. We also reviewed the English-language literature of reports of a SCAIF used for head and neck defects.

RESULTS

Eight patients underwent SCAIF reconstruction of head and neck defects. Various anatomic sites were reconstructed including the neck (n = 4), oral cavity (n = 1), and parotid/lateral skull base (n = 3). Two patients had partial flap necrosis, requiring débridement and wound care. There was no total loss of the flap or donor-site complication.

CONCLUSION

SCAIF is an excellent choice for reconstructing various head and neck defects, with low complication rates and donor-site morbidity. The outcomes of our SCAIF reconstruction are comparable to previously published outcomes.