Quality of life in patients after reconstruction with the supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) versus the radial free forearm flap (RFFF)

PurposeGold-standard for defect reconstruction in the head and neck region is the radial free forearm flap (RFFF). The supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) gained popularity due to its versatility. Our objective was to compare functional advantages between both modalities.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 24 consecutive cases with advanced-stage squamous cell cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx after cancer defect reconstruction with two modalities (12 SCAIF; 12 RFFF) was conducted. Patients completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer(EORTC) questionnaires, Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30-questions (QLQ-C30) and Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 Head and Neck 35-questions (QLQ-H&N35).ResultsMean follow-up was 22.29.5months. Comparison of quality of life (QOL) showed significant differences only in speech and problems with the senses in favor of the SCAIF.Conclusion Patients report satisfactory QOL results after oncologic surgery and reconstruction with preliminary no significant differences in most aspects comparing the two modalities. Therefore, the SCAIF appears as a viable alternative to the gold standard, the RFFF.