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Versatility of the Supraclavicular Artery Island Flap in Neck Reconstruction

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Abstract

Introduction

Reconstruction around the neck still represents a challenge as both functional and cosmetic outcomes need to be considered. Locoregional fasciocutaneous flaps are often the best, and sometimes the single, reconstructive option available. This work is intended to highlight the versatility of the supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) for cervical reconstruction.

Patient and Methods

The authors present a case series analysis of cervical reconstruction using this fasciocutaneous flap, reporting clinical outcomes and complications.

Observations

An array of defects of different nature and magnitude, from skin only to composite defects were successfully reconstructed with the SCAIF, highlighting a simple, reproducible, and resourceful flap.

Discussion

The SCAIF is characterized for its versatility, making it an essential tool in the reconstruction of simple and complex defects in the cervical region. Regarding neck reconstruction, this flap has an unquestionable role as a first reconstructive option (either tumoral in nature, trauma, or iatrogenic complications) and/or as a salvage procedure after a free flap failure.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica Reconstrutiva, Craniomaxilofacial e Mão, Unidade de Microcirurgia, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Rua Conceição Fernandes S/N, 4434-502, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

    Filipa Poleri, Diana Monteiro, Jorge M. Correia-Pinto, Daniel Baptista & Horácio Costa

  2. Porto, Portugal

    Filipa Poleri

Authors
  1. Filipa Poleri
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  2. Diana Monteiro
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  3. Jorge M. Correia-Pinto
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  4. Daniel Baptista
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  5. Horácio Costa
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Filipa Poleri.

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Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate

This is an observational study. The regional ethics committee has confirmed that no ethical approval is required. Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study. Furthermore, all the patients provided informed consent for the publication of clinical data and accompanying images.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study

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Poleri, F., Monteiro, D., Correia-Pinto, J.M. et al. Versatility of the Supraclavicular Artery Island Flap in Neck Reconstruction. Indian J Surg 86, 394–400 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12262-023-03893-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12262-023-03893-y

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