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The Supraclavicular Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction

  • Head and Neck Reconstruction (E Rosenthal, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The supraclavicular artery island flap has recently become increasingly used for the reconstruction of complex soft-tissue defects after head and neck oncologic ablative procedures. In an aging population with multiple comorbidities, with surgery often being performed in the salvage setting, many patients who are not good candidates for free tissue transfer are in still need of advanced reconstructive options. The goal of this article is to review the evolution of this flap and to highlight the recent technical modifications and outcomes data regarding the use of the supraclavicular flap in head and neck reconstruction.

Recent Findings

The supraclavicular artery island flap provides a versatile fasciocutaneous flap with minimal donor site morbidity that affords the reconstructive surgeon a thinness, pliability, color, and texture unmatched by other regional pedicled flaps. It is cost-effective and has been shown to have similar functional outcomes to free tissue transfer for a variety of ablative defects, including those of the lateral skull base and parotid, larynx, oral cavity, and oropharynx.

Summary

The supraclavicular artery island flap has a number of proven advantages in the reconstruction of complex soft-tissue defects after head and neck oncologic ablative procedures. In an era in which salvage surgery is increasingly being performed in an aging patient population with rising comorbidities, the supraclavicular artery island flap provides a reliable, efficient alternative to free tissue transfer reconstruction that can ultimately result in decreased healthcare costs and lower patient morbidity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Reconstruction, Harvard Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 243 Charles St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Tjoson Tjoa, Derrick T. Lin & Kevin S. Emerick

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  1. Tjoson Tjoa
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  2. Derrick T. Lin
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  3. Kevin S. Emerick
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Correspondence to Tjoson Tjoa.

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Dr. Tjoson Tjoa, Dr. Derrick T Lin, and Dr. Kevin S Emerick declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Head and Neck Reconstruction.

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Tjoa, T., Lin, D.T. & Emerick, K.S. The Supraclavicular Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction. Curr Otorhinolaryngol Rep 4, 219–227 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40136-016-0126-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40136-016-0126-0

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