Use of the supraclavicular artery island flap for reconstruction of maxillofacial defects: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Background Free flaps are widely used in maxillofacial reconstruction; however, this approach was not feasible in the current case. It was not possible because the free flap method requires microvascular anastomosis expertise, which is difficult, time-consuming and costly. Case presentation An 86-year-old woman suffered squamous cell carcinoma on the right side of her face, which resulted in a large soft-tissue defect. Here, we present a case of facial reconstruction from the inferior margin of the jaw to the top of the head. The size of the defect was 18.5 cm × 7.5 cm, which is rare for a patient of this age in the maxillofacial area. We used the supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIFP) which measured 19.3 cm × 8.3 cm to repair the defect. After the operation, the flap survived without complications. Then, the patient was followed for 10 months and was satisfied with the aesthetic and functional results at the donor and recipient sites following the tumour resection. The tumour did not recur, and facial nerve function was preserved. Conclusion Our results provide a new choice for the reconstruction of large defects of the head and face, and expand the potential applications of the SCAIFP.

Reconstruction of Maxillofacial Cancer Defects by Supraclavicular Flaps

“…Despite the advances in the use of the locoregional flaps, some complications as ischemia can occur after the transfer of the flap due to tissue hypoperfusion resulting in partial or complete loss of the flap (10). Given the rise in the incidence of maxillofacial cutaneous malignant neoplasia, the provision of satisfactory treatment to repair the resulting facial defects can pose a significant surgical challenge (11). In the past two decades, previous studies have demonstrated the reliability of supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) for refractory defects from trauma, medication/radiation-induced osteonecrosis, and cancer ablation.…”