Superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap: identification of the perforator by computed tomography angiography and reconstruction of a complex lower lip defect

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present our approach to the reconstruction of head and neck defects using the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap with the aid of preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) mapping. We describe the reconstruction procedure of a lower lip defect with a SCIP flap in a patient who underwent resection for a lower lip squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Preoperative CTA is an effective method for detecting and predicting the course of perforator vessels. The SCIP flap may provide a superior functional and aesthetic restoration in selected cases, with an inconspicuous donor site scar and lower donor site morbidity. We believe that the SCIP flap is a viable option for soft tissue reconstruction of defects in the head and neck region with the aid of preoperative CTA mapping.