The sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap

Area of Science:

• Reconstructive surgery
• Head and neck surgery
• Otorhinolaryngology

Background:

• Oropharyngeal defects often require complex reconstruction.
• Preserving muscle function is crucial in head and neck procedures.
• Single-stage repairs can improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital stays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of the sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap for oropharyngeal defect repair.
• To assess the oncologic safety and functional outcomes of this flap.
• To determine the efficacy in single-stage reconstruction of smaller defects.

Main Methods:

• A series of five cases utilizing the sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap were reviewed.
• The study focused on defects not exceeding 6 cm in diameter.
• Outcomes assessed included flap viability, cutaneous integrity, and fistula formation.

Main Results:

• The sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap was effective in single-stage repair of small oropharyngeal defects.
• One flap experienced total cutaneous necrosis, and two experienced partial cutaneous loss.
• No fistulae developed, attributed to the viable underlying muscle in the compound flap.

Conclusions:

• The sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap is a viable option for selected oropharyngeal defects when oncologic safety is not compromised.
• This flap facilitates single-stage reconstruction, offering a potential advantage for smaller defects.
• The presence of underlying muscle mitigates the risk of fistulae, even with partial epithelial loss.