Narrative Review: Submental Artery Island Pedicled Flap, Indications, Tips, and Pitfalls

Area of Science:

• Head and Neck Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Head and neck defects often require complex reconstructive solutions.
• Local pedicled flaps are essential for minimizing donor site morbidity.
• The submental artery island flap has emerged as a promising technique.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advantages and challenges of the submental artery island flap.
• To outline the indications for its use in head and neck reconstruction.
• To describe the surgical technique and patient selection criteria.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed articles, case reports, and clinical studies.
• Analysis of data focusing on surgical technique, indications, and outcomes.
• Evaluation of the submental artery island flap's application in head and neck reconstruction.

Main Results:

• The submental artery island flap offers minimal donor site morbidity and good cosmetic results.
• Challenges include pedicle dissection and careful patient selection.
• Suitable for defects in the oral cavity, oropharynx, parotid bed, and midface/neck skin.
• Simultaneous neck dissection is feasible but requires caution in patients with prior neck surgery.

Conclusions:

• The submental artery island flap is a valuable reconstructive option for selected head and neck defects.
• Proper patient selection and surgical technique are key to successful outcomes.
• It allows for reconstruction with a minimally visible donor site scar.