Superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap for tongue reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES

With microvascular reconstruction, different perforator flaps have been introduced for the treatment of head and neck defects. In light of this, the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap was assessed for reconstruction after partial and hemiglossectomy.

STUDY

DESIGN

A total number of nine patients who received SCIP flap reconstruction for tongue defects were included in this study. Details on clinical features were collected, and postoperative functions and esthetic results were analyzed.

RESULTS

All the SCIP flaps survived, and postoperative speech and swallowing functions were generally found to be acceptable during follow-up. In addition, subjective questionnaire appraisals from patients were favorable.

CONCLUSION

The SCIP flap may present a good alternative for reconstruction of partial or hemiglossectomy defects.