Applications and progress of supraclavicular artery flap in head and neck reconstruction

Abstract

The defect of head and neck surgery can be a challenge for the surgeon. For many years, head and neck surgeons used local flap, pedicle flap or free flap for closure of oncologic defect. However, these flaps had advantages and disadvantages. The supraclavicular region is an important donor site for head and neck surgery. The supraclavicular flap has the advantage of providing an optimum skin colour and texture match in the cervicofacial area. Now it is gaining popularity for reconstruction of head and neck defect. The applications and progress of supraclavicular artery flap are reviwed. Key words: Surgical Flaps; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures; Head and Neck Neoplasms