title: The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap in intra-oral reconstruction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap is a modification of the groin flap using perforators of the superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA). It has mainly been used in lower-limb reconstruction with no descriptions in the literature of its use in intra-oral soft-tissue head and neck reconstruction. This article reports the initial Newcastle experience.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were gathered prospectively for the first five head and neck patients with SCIP flap reconstruction. All patients had a speech and swallowing assessment as part of their post-operative follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An SCIP flap was used following the resection for four intra-oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and one pharyngeal SCC. There was no flap compromise and excellent functional outcome at 6 months. The donor-site morbidity was minimal with direct closure achieved in each case leaving a scar easily concealed in the groin crease.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, the results at both the primary and donor sites in our first five cases have been aesthetically and functionally excellent. The flap pedicle easily reached the common recipient vessels in the neck. The vessels can be of smaller calibre but well within the scope of the microsurgeon. The SCIP flap appears to offer a thin, pliable, reliable flap with an excellent donor site.
authors: Department of Plastic Surgery, Newcastle University Hospitals NHS, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK. Electronic address: Richardgreen81@hotmail.co.uk.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Green
authors: K M A
authors: KM
authors: Rahman
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Owen
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Paleri
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Adams
authors: O A
authors: OA
authors: Ahmed
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Ragbir
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D061525:Perforator Flap; D010610:Pharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery
keywords: Free flap; Head and neck cancer; Intra-oral reconstruction; SCIP