Vertical Submental Island Flap for Head and Neck Reconstruction
Publication Date
2020
Journal Title
J Oral Maxillofac Surg
Abstract
© 2020 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Regional flaps remain a cornerstone of head and neck reconstruction. Among their many functions, they serve a vital role in salvage surgery and for those in whom medical comorbidities preclude the use of microvascular free flaps. Recent research has also examined their potential benefit in value-based healthcare metrics such as operative time, cost, intensive care unit care, and length of stay as compared to free-flap reconstruction. The submental island flap is one such entity that is well described and validated to provide predictable, oncologically sound coverage for defects of the lower third of the face and oral cavity. Its application has also been documented for repair of defects of the midface, temporal region, oropharynx, and hypopharynx, albeit less frequently. Since its original description, there have been several modifications of this axial-based flap, though none of a vertically oriented long axis. We describe a case of a vertically based submental island flap for maxillary reconstruction that allowed for debulking and recontouring of prior pectoralis flap and correction of submental ptosis.
Volume Number
78
Issue Number
9
Pages
1653.e1 - 1653.e6
Document Type
Article
Status
Faculty
Facility
School of Medicine
Primary Department
Otolaryngology
PMID
DOI
10.1016/j.joms.2020.05.010