title: [The myocutaneous sternocleidomastoid flap for reconstruction of the mouth cavity and pharynx].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Among the myocutaneous island flaps applied for reconstruction of large soft-tissue defects after ablative surgery for malignomas, the pectoralis major flap is the one most frequently used. In comparison, the sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous island flap is not as popular.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report on our experiences with the superiorly based sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous (SCM) island flap (cutaneous island of 6-8 cm in diameter) in seven consecutive cases after resection of malignomas of the oral cavity and the pharynx. The vascularization from the occipital artery is additionally supplied by preserving the platysma during preparation of the SCM flap.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Only one total cutaneous necrosis was observed in a patient who had received prior radiation. In the other 6 cases no major complications (necrosis or fistula) occurred.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  When the preservation of the sternocleidoid muscle does not compromise oncologic principles as in cases with limited lymphe node involvement (N0-N1), the SCM flap appears to be a useful and simple technique, particularly in female patients compared with the pectoralis major flap, in addition to others.
authors.affiliation: Universitäts-Hals-Nasen-Ohrenklinik Freiburg.
authors.forename: U H
authors.initials: UH
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Klenzner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010610:Pharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome
vernacular_title: Der myokutane Sternocleidomastoideus-Lappen zur Rekonstruktion in Mundhöhle und Pharynx.