Supraclavicular Pedicled Island Flap in Oral and Pharyngeal Reconstruction: Historical Background, Indications, Surgical Technique and Complications

Abstract

Carcinomas of head and neck represent major  health problem and they are associated with great mortality and morbidity. Reconstruction of most head and defects remains a great challenge. Since the development of free tissue transfer and microsurgical techniques, large variety of defect dimensions and locations can be reconstructed allowing for larger oncologic resections, improved tissue coverage and lower patient morbidity. The supraclavicular flap (SCF) is a fasciocutaneous flap used to cover head, oral, and neck region defects after tumor resection. Its main vascular supply is the supraclavicular artery and accompanying veins and it can be harvested as a vascularised pedicled flap. The SCF serves as an excellent outer skin cover as well as a good inner mucosal lining after oral cavity and head-neck tumor resections. The flap has a wide arc of rotation and matches the skin colour and texture of the face and neck.