Cervical skin flaps in head and neck reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Head and Neck Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Cervical flaps have a long history in reconstructive surgery, with numerous modifications over the past century.
• These flaps remain a useful option for facial and cervical cutaneous defects and closing pharyngocutaneous and orocutaneous fistulas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the historical and current utility of cervical flaps in head and neck reconstruction.
• To identify factors limiting their application in specific reconstructive scenarios, particularly esophageal reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of cervical flap techniques and applications in head and neck reconstruction.
• Analysis of the impact of combined therapy, including radiation, on cervical flap viability and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Cervical flaps continue to be effective for superficial defects and fistula closure in head and neck surgery.
• Their application in esophageal reconstruction has significantly decreased.
• Radiation therapy, often used in combined treatment protocols, compromises the viability of cervical tissues, limiting their suitability for esophageal reconstruction.

Conclusions:

• Cervical flaps remain a valuable tool for specific head and neck reconstructive challenges.
• The efficacy of cervical flaps for esophageal reconstruction is diminished by the widespread use of radiation therapy, necessitating alternative reconstructive methods.