Superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap for reconstruction of buccal and plate soft tissue defects

Abstract

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of free superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP)flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defects secondary to resection of retromolar and lateral buccal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods From January 2014 to January 2017, eight patients with retromolar and lateral buccal squamous cell carcinoma received radical resection and reconstructed with SCIP flap immediately. CTA and color Doppler sonography were routinely performed before the surgery. According to the size of the defect in the recipient area, the flap vascularized by the perforator vessel was carefully prepared and transferred to the buccal-pharynx-palate composite defect. The recipient area and donor area were sutured tightly after arteriovenous anastomosis under microscope. The survival and functional recovery of the flap were observed after operation. Results The flap sizes ranged from 5 cm× 6 cm to 7 cm×9 cm.The mean diameter of the superficial circumflex iliac arteries was 0.65 mm. And the mean diameter of the veins was 1.2 mm. The mean arterial pedicle length was 7.0 cm, and the venous pedicle length was 8.0 cm. Eight flaps were all survived. The shape of the buccal-parapharyngeal-palate was good and the mouth opening was normal after operation. Conclusions Superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap was a good choice for repairing the defect of parapharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in the posterior molar region. Key words: Superficial iliac circumflex artery; Oral squamous carcinoma; Reconstruction