title: Straightforward Method for Coverage of Major Vessels After Modified Radical Neck Dissection.
abstract: A new method for covering the internal jugular vein and carotid artery after exposure of the cervical vascular axis subsequent to neck dissection is presented. To cover the most caudal part of the vascular axis, a platysma coli muscle flap is harvested from its most medial and inferior part of the neck in a caudally based fashion and is slightly rotated posteriorly up to 45°. In addition, a superiorly based sternocleidomastoid muscle flap involving the posterior half of the muscle after detachment of the clavicle head is harvested and rotated 45° anteriorly to cover the upper two thirds of the vascular axis. This technique seems to be a good alternative to the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for covering cervical major vessels, if no classical radical neck dissection is performed, especially in those oncologic malnourished patients who will undergo adjuvant radiotherapy after surgical treatment.
authors.affiliation: Consultant Surgeon, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Infanta Cristina, Badajoz, Spain; Honorary Professor, Department of Surgery, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain. Electronic address: raulmaxilo@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Raúl
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: González-García
authors.affiliation: Consultant Surgeon, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Infanta Cristina, Badajoz, Spain.
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Moreno-García
authors.affiliation: Resident Surgeon, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Infanta Cristina, Badajoz, Spain.
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moreno-Sánchez
authors.affiliation: Surgical Unit, University Hospital Infanta Cristina, Badajoz, Spain.
authors.forename: Leticia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Román-Romero
mesh_terms: D003528:Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002339:Carotid Arteries; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*