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Vertical trapezius musculocutaneous flap: a retrospective study.
Othon N Papadopoulos1, Chrisostomos I Chrisostomidis, Panagis N Georgiou
12nd Propedeutic Surgical Department of Athens University School of Medicine, Greece. othon@otenet.gr
Summary
The vertical trapezius musculocutaneous flap is a reliable option for head and neck reconstruction. This study confirms its usefulness with minimal complications in 17 patients.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Head and neck reconstructive surgery presents unique challenges.
- The vertical trapezius musculocutaneous flap is a reconstructive option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the vertical trapezius musculocutaneous flap in head and neck reconstruction.
- To assess outcomes and complications associated with this flap.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 17 patients (aged 26-77 years) treated between 1986 and 2001.
- Procedures included two-stage (n=7) and single-stage island flap (n=10) techniques.
- Direct donor site closure was performed in all cases.
Main Results:
- No operative mortality was observed.
- One case of partial flap necrosis and two infected donor site seromas were reported.
- Mean hospital stay was 16 days (range 12-25 days).
Conclusions:
- The vertical trapezius musculocutaneous flap is a reliable and effective method for head and neck reconstruction.
- The flap offers a thin, hairless skin paddle with good pedicle length and mobility.
- Potential disadvantages include muscle sacrifice and patient repositioning requirements.