Cervical island skin flap repair of oral and pharyngeal defects in the composite operation for cancer

Abstract

A number of modifications of the classical “commando” procedure have gained acceptance over the years, and every effort toward prompt restoration of function and appearance is to be encouraged provided the principles of cancer surgery are not compromised and the operating time and hospitalization unduly prolonged. A rapid, simple, and effective primary closure of oral and pharyngeal defects by buried cervical island skin flaps is described in a selected series of twenty patients representing a variety of lesions requiring combined resection. The repair of a laryngeal and a tracheal defect by similar means is reported. The history of island flaps is reviewed briefly, a technic which can be used to advantage by the head and neck surgeon.