Supraclavicular artery flaps for head and neck reconstruction: a prospective study

Reconstruction of defects of the head and neck remains a challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. This is due to the complex anatomy of the region as well as the age and comorbidities of the patients, which prevent the use of free tissue transfer as the primary tool of reconstruction. The supraclavicular artery (SCA) island flap is a well vascularised tissue and provides a thin and pliable skin for cutaneous and mucosal defects of the head and neck region. Here, we had done this flap for eight patients with no major complications and hence, we concur that it is a safe, reliable and versatile reconstructive option for these defects. The study period was from January 2015 to June 2016 where we operated on 8 patients, 5 for post burn contracture neck and 3 for post oncologic resection. The flap was used as a pedicled fascio-cutaneous and was based on the transverse supraclavicular artery. Eight cases underwent supraclavicular artery flap of which 5 were males and 3 females. Mean defect size was 15×10 cm. All the donor sites were closed with a split skin graft. One patient had distal necrosis which was managed with debridement and secondary suturing. The supraclavicular artery flap is a thin, versatile, reliable and easy to harvest flap for reconstructing head and neck defects, with good cosmetic and functional outcome.

Oral cancer reconstruction using the pedicled supraclavicular artery island flap: comparison to pectoralis major myocutaneous flap / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To compare the pedicled supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) and the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) for oral reconstruction after cancer resection.@*Methods@#This is a retrospective study from May 2007 to May 2017. Sixty-one patients from the Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, were included. All the patients underwent oral squamous cell carcinoma resection and pedicled flap reconstruction. Sixteen patients were performed SCAIFs (group A), and 45 were performed PMMFs (group B). The flap survival rate, flap size, flap preparation time, the presence of scar hyperplasia, pigmentation and dysfunction (temporary or permanent) were compared between these two groups.@*Results@#The survival rate of flaps in group A was 93.75% (15/16), and the survival rate of flaps in group B was 95.56% (43/45). There was no statistically significant difference in the survival rate of flaps, the average skin flap size or flap produce time between these 2 groups. There were no scar hyperplasia, pigmentation and dysfunction was observed in group A. However, scar hyperplasia (n=11), pigmentation (n=10) and dysfunction (n=12) occurred in group B. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).@*Conclusions@#This study suggests that SCAIF is more reliable, and brings more satisfied outcome, when compared with the PMMF.

Colgajo supraclavicular de perforantes: reporte de dos casos / Supraclavicular flap of perforants: two case report

La reconstrucción posterior a la resección de tumores en la cabeza y el cuello es un reto para la cirugía reconstructiva. El colgajo supraclavicular es un excelente recurso quirúrgico por su fácil disección, poca morbilidad y adecuada extensión. En el presente artículo presentamos 2 casos de reconstrucción exitosa con esta alternativa.

Reconstruction after resection of lesions in the head and neck are a challenge for reconstructive surgery. The supraclavicular flap is an excellent surgical alternative because it´s easy dissection, low morbidity and adequate extension. In this work, we present two cases of successful reconstruction with this flap.

Cervico-acromial flap based on the supraclavicular artery for head and neck reconstruction / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To explore the clinical effect of cervico-acromial fasciocutaneous flap based on the supraclavicular artery as a method for face and neck reconstruction.@*Methods@#From Oct 1990 to June 2014, 17 patients, with the age range of 7 to 51 years, suffering from cicatricle contractures of neck or facial defect, were treated with cervico-acromial fascicutaneous flaps. 29 flaps were used in 12 patients bilaterally or multiply. The donor sites of 2 patients were closed by skin graft; while in the rest 15 patients, the donor sites were closed by expanded flaps.@*Results@#All the 29 flaps were survived, with satisfactory color and texture. Hematoma occurred in 1 case after tissue expander implantation, but the flap was successfully expanded after evacuation of hematoma. The size of flaps ranged from 15 cm×7 cm to 35 cm×15 cm. 10 patients completed 6 months follow-up, and presented with satisfactory appearance and better functional results.@*Conclusions@#Cervico-acromial fascicutaneous flap based on the supraclavicular artery is an good choice for reconstruction of neck and facial defects.