The pedicled occipital artery scalp flap for salvage surgery of the neck

A small group of patients with complex head and neck cancer present with problems of wound heating following radiotherapy and reconstructive surgery. Provision of skin cover to the neck in these cases is often required and presents a challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. We present the use of a pedicled scalp flap based on the occipital artery for such defects. This flap is an axial patterned scalp flap incorporating hair-bearing skin. It may be up to 15 cm wide and can reach beyond the midline of the chin. The anatomy of the flap is described and its use illustrated in three cases. This flap is a useful addition to the options for reconstruction of neck defects in patients with head and neck cancer. (C) 2003 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.