Infrahyoid myocutaneous flap in head and neck reconstruction

Infrahyoid myocutaneous flap is one of the alternatives to be considered for the reconstruction of moderate defects following resection of the oral cavity, oropharynx, or hypopharynx cancers. The flap is based on the uni- or bilateral superior thyroid pedicle; its major limitations are due to small flap volume and arc of rotation. The authors reviewed a series of 15 consecutive patients with carcinomas of the oral cavity or pharynx who underwent radical surgical resections followed by immediate reconstruction using an infrahyoid myocutaneous flap. Four of five cases with prior irradiation presented complications. The incidence of flap necrosis in this series (47%) was higher than that reported by others (10%). We consider the presence of massive neck metastasis and prior irradiation contraindications to the use of this flap.