Cervicofacial and cervicothoracic rotation flaps in head and neck reconstruction.
BACKGROUND
Compound cervicofacial and cervicothoracic rotation flaps are highly versatile flaps that may be applied to a variety of defects of the cheek, orbit, periauricular region, and neck. These rotation advancement flaps should be a staple of the head and neck surgeon's reconstructive armamentarium.


METHODS
This is a retrospective review of medical records at a university-based head and neck cancer center.


RESULTS
Thirty-three patients were identified, with a mean age of 66 years. Primary or recurrent skin neoplasms made up the most common indication for surgery, followed by primary parotid tumors and cervical lymphatic metastases from upper aerodigestive tract malignancies. Defects of the cheek, orbit, periauricular region, and neck were reconstructed with cervicofacial or cervicothoracic flaps, with larger wounds requiring variable extension of the incision onto the chest wall. Other reconstructive modalities were used in 18 cases to increase tissue bulk or provide internal lining. Minor wound complications occurred in 13 patients. There was no statistically significant association between wound complications and smoking or previous radiation therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Compound cervicofacial and cervicothoracic rotation flaps provide a straightforward, reliable, and efficient means to reconstruct complex defects of the face, lateral skull base, and neck, with the potential for excellent cosmetic results.
Moore
Brian A
BA
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Houston, Texas, USA.
Wine
Todd
T
Netterville
James L
JL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome