The supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) in head and neck reconstruction: an Italian multi-institutional experience.

The supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) in head and neck reconstruction: an Italian multi-institutional experience.
Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2018 Dec;38(6):497-503
Authors: Giordano L, Di Santo D, Bondi S, Marchi F, Occhini A, Bertino G, Grammatica A, Parrinello G, Peretti G, Benazzo M, Nicolai P, Bussi M
Abstract
The supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) is a thin and pliable pedicled flap that is easy and quick to harvest. Thanks to its particular features and high reliability, it is best indicated for the elderly or most fragile patients. SCAIF is very versatile, as it can be used for reconstruction of oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, facial and cervical skin and tracheostomal defects. We began using this flap in four Italian tertiary referral centres, with several indications, both as first treatment and as salvage surgery. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the easy reproducibility of the flap among four different centres. A series of 28 patients underwent head and neck reconstructions with SCAIF with no recorded complications during flap harvesting. After the very first cases, harvesting time was approximately 45 minutes; 24 patients had successful flap integration at the recipient site, while the remaining 4 suffered from partial flap necrosis, two of whom needed revision surgery. Other minor complications were reported at the recipient site, always at the most distal and most delicate portion of the f...

Source: Acta Otorhinolaryngologica Italica - January 10, 2019 Category: ENT & OMF Tags: Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital Source Type: research