Regional Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction- Part I: Philosophy, Submental and Supraclavicular Flaps

Abstract

Background: Regional (pedicled) flaps for reconstruction of intra-oral defects are acquiring increasing recognition as a safe, reliable choice in selected cases after oral cancer ablation (extirpation). The lower technical demands and suitability for elderly/high-risk patients together with specific features that may resolve the seemingly intractable dilemmas with other approaches, are providing a valuable tool in this challenging area of surgery.