Facial Nerve Reconstruction Using a Vascularized Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Graft Based on the Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery System: An Application of the Inferolateral Extension of the Groin Flap

Abstract

The use of an inferolateral extension technique of a groin flap has previously been reported. This technique involves harvesting an extended portion from the anterolateral thigh, including the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) and its accompanying vessels, attached to a groin flap via communications between the LFCN-accompanying vessels and the superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) system. In this study, we used this technique involving a vascularized LFCN combined with a groin flap to reconstruct a facial nerve defect. The patient was a 58-year-old man with a salivary duct carcinoma in the left parotid gland. Tumor ablation resulted in a defect of the skin and soft tissue including all branches of the facial nerve. A free groin flap was harvested based on the SCIA system, composed of the LFCN and a small monitoring flap, which were nourished by the LFCN-accompanying vessels and by communication with the SCIA system. The LFCN was transplanted into the gaps in the facial nerve branches as a cable graft, and the skin flap was used to cover and fill the soft tissue defect. The postoperative course was uneventful and satisfactory facial animation was obtained. This represents a possible technique for nerve reconstruction using a vascularized nerve graft.