ABSTRACT
Objective:To assess the anatomy of superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) and its feasibility for tongue re-construction after tumor resection. Methods:From January 2014 to January 2015, a total of 15 patients with oral maxillofacial defects underwent SCIP flap surgery. Perforator identification and SCIA course were performed intra-operatively. The relationships among the SCIA, deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA), and superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) were determined intra-operatively. Surgical procedures, measurement of vessel's caliber and pedicle's length, SCIP flap anatomy, and their outcomes were described. Results:Flap mean thickness was approximately 1.2±0.3 cm. The mean diameter of the SCIA was 0.7±0.2 cm, and that of the superficial circumflex iliac vein was 1.2±0.2 cm. The relationships among SCIA, DCIA, and SIEA were described and subdivided into typeⅠ(8/15), typeⅡ(2/15), typeⅢ(2/15), typeⅣ(2/15), and typeⅤ(1/15) in intra-operative dissection. The flap sizes were in the range from 6 cm × 4.5 cm to 11 cm × 10 cm. A total of 14 SCIP flaps survived, and 1 SCIP flap underwent necrosis. Conclusion:The SCIP flap is a reliable, thin, and pliable flap with long vascular pedicles and hidden donor site morbidity. Its texture is a perfect match for tongue defect reconstruc-tion.