Functional Reconstruction With an Extended Supraclavicular Fasciocutaneous Island Flap Following Ablation of Advanced Oropharyngeal Cancer

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the functional outcome of an extended supraclavicular fasciocutaneous island flap for reconstructing oropharyngeal defects. The 15 patients with oropharyngeal cancers ranged in age from 54 to 73 years. Primary tumor excisions via a transmandibular approach and neck dissection were performed in all patients. An extended supraclavicular fasciocutaneous island flap with a flap skin paddle ranging in size between 4 x 10 and 6 x 12 cm was used to reconstruct the defects. All of the flaps survived. Minor flap failure occurred in 2 cases, and 1 of these developed a minor orocutaneous fistula. All patients could eat soft foods and had normal speech. The extended supraclavicular fasciocutaneous island flap is a simple, reliable flap that can be used for functional reconstruction of oropharyngeal defects.