Neck bypass modification for inferior trapezius flaps: A discussion of surgical technique and experience

@#<p style="text-align: justify;">The inferior trapezius flap (ITF) is useful as a primary means of head and neck reconstruction or as a salvage flap when a previous flap has failed. This report illustrates a neck bypass modification technique which places the pedicle external and lateral to the neck, thereby 1) increasing the flap's reach and 2) decreasing compression from subcutaneous tunneling. It also describes the authors' experience with this technique.</p>

Retalho miocutâneo inferior pediculado do músculo trapézio nas reconstruções após cirurgias oncológicas de cabeça e pescoço, e tórax / Lower trapezius myocutaneous pedicle flap in head, neck, and chest reconstructions after cancer surgeries

INTRODUÇÃO: Revisão da literatura sobre o retalho miocutâneo inferior do músculo trapézio, apresentando suas vantagens, técnica cirúrgica e complicações. MÉTODOS: Estudo de 19 casos tratados no INCA, através de técnica específica, e comparação dos dados com a literatura internacional. RESULTADOS: Todas as reconstruções atingiram seus objetivos, com correção dos defeitos em partes moles e pele. O efeito estético foi considerado bom pelos pacientes e pela equipe médica. Foi observada uma taxa de 21% de complicações. Não houve necrose ou infecção nos retalhos. Em relação às funções, 89,5% apresentaram função motora preservada e 10,5%, déficit funcional por acometimento tumoral do nervo acessório. CONCLUSÃO: A despeito do aprimoramento contínuo das técnicas microcirúrgicas, os retalhos miocutâneos pediculados ainda encontram indicações nas reconstruções após ressecções oncológicas alargadas. O retalho miocutâneo inferior do músculo trapézio é uma alternativa segura e aplicável para as reconstruções de partes moles das regiões cervicais lateral e posterior, da região lateral da cabeça, da região do ombro e para as regiões paraespinhal superior e paraescapulares.

INTRODUCTION: In this article, we present a literature review on the lower myocutaneous trapezius flap, and report its advantages, surgical technique, and complications. METHODS: We studied 19 patients treated at INCA with a specific technique, and compared the outcomes with those reported in the international literature. RESULTS: All reconstructions achieved the procedural objectives, and the defects of soft tissues and skin were repaired. The aesthetic outcome was considered satisfactory by the patients and medical staff. The rate of complications was 21%. No necrosis or signs of infection were detected in the flaps. Concerning the functions, 89.5% of patients preserved their motor function, whereas reduced functional movements were observed in 10.5% of the patients due to tumor invasion to the accessory nerve. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the continuous advancements in microsurgical techniques, pedicle myocutaneous flaps are still indicated for reconstruction procedures after extended cancer resections. The use of the lower trapezius myocutaneous flap is safe and represents a suitable option for the reconstruction of soft tissues of the lateral and posterior cervical regions, side of the head, shoulder, and upper paravertebral and parascapular regions.

Trapezius Rotational Flap for Cervico-thoracic Wound Breakdown in Post-radiotherapy Necrosis: A Case Report

The management of post-radiation wound breakdown over the posterior cervico thoracic region can be a challenging task for a surgeon. The aim of the treatment is to produce a well vascularized and a low tensile flap which will close a large defect. We describe the use of the lower trapezius flap to reconstruct the wound breakdown and to obtain stable tissue coverage in a patient with postradiation necrosis. This flap minimizes the disruption of the scapula-thoracic function while preserving the range of movement over the shoulder. From the literature review, it was noted that the dorsal scapular artery (DSA) and transverse cervical artery (TCA) aid in the blood supply to the trapezius muscle and prevent local necrosis during rotation of the flap. The trapezius flap is widely accepted because of the minor donor site morbidity, large arc of rotation and adequate blood supply.