title: Indications for reconstruction of mucosal defects in oropharyngeal cancer using a supraclavicular island flap.
abstract: The use of the supraclavicular island flap (SCIF) for the reconstruction of facial and neck skin defects is increasing. The value of this fasciocutaneous flap as a reconstructive modality for oropharyngeal defects in cancer patients is unclear. In the present study, a SCIF was used for reconstruction of mucosal defects following resection of the tumour in a group of four patients with T2 squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx and a clinical N0 neck. Reconstruction was performed following transoral tumour resection and selective neck dissection at levels I-III in the same session. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were analyzed, and functional and aesthetic results for the neck and shoulder region were evaluated in follow-up examinations. In addition, sensation to the flap was evaluated. No flap failures were observed. Only minor surgical complications were evident, which did not cause any relevant functional or aesthetic impairments. Sensation to the flap was observed in all cases. The SCIF appears to be a good and time-saving alternative to free flaps for oropharyngeal reconstruction following oncological resection in selected patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Philipp University, Marburg, Germany. Electronic address: teymoort@med.uni-marburg.de.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Teymoortash
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Philipp University, Marburg, Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mandapathil
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Philipp University, Marburg, Germany.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hoch
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D004954:Esthetics; D005205:Fascia / Q000637:transplantation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation; D014139:Tracheostomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: N0 neck; morbidity.; oropharyngeal cancer; reconstruction; supraclavicular island flap