The utility of submental island flap in head and neck reconstruction

概要

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Submental island flap (SIF), first reported by Dr. Martin in 1990, is an axial-patterned flap located on the submental artery, which is a well defined and consistent branch of the facial artery. SIF has been utilized for small or intermediate defects of the oral cavity, pharyngeal, laryngeal and facial or neck skin. Reconstruction was performed on 19 patients with SIF at the Aichi Cancer Center Hospital between December 2008 and December 2009. Concerning the primary tumor site, 13 cases were in the oral cavity, 1 in the oropharynx, 1 in the larynx, and 2 neck skin defects. While partial necrosis and anastomotic leakage was seen in 1 case and abscess was seen in 2 cases, others did not show any complications or recurrences. Therefore, we consider SIF as an alternative option for free transfer vascularized flaps. Additionally, we think that patients who meet the following characteristics are considered good indications of SIF: 1) no Level 1 neck metastasis, 2) small or intermediate defect from soft palate to hypopharynx, 3) advanced age 4) exhibition of comorbidities (ex, hypertension, diabetes etc).