Fasciocutaneous supraclavicular island flap as a reconstruction method for through-and-through cheek defect

Introduction The fasciocutaneous supraclavicular island flap is an established method in head and neck plastic reconstructive surgery.

Case Report We report about a female patient who presented with a history of a right cheek ulcer. Biopsy was performed. The histologic result showed a moderate differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Staging (CT scan of head and neck and thorax) showed no distant metastasis. In the interdisciplinary tumor conference primary surgical therapy was recommended. The patient had a history of anal carcinoma with resection and complicated wound healing as well as adjuvant radiotherapy and PAOD with pathologic Allen test on both sides. Therefore, the reconstruction with free flap was associated with a significantly increased risk of flap necrosis. After resection, a 3 x 5 cm defect was revealed. Defect reconstruction of the medial and lateral cheek was performed using a 3 x 10 cm fasciocutaneous supraclavicular island flap. The intraoperative and postoperative follow-up was without complications. The patient has been free of recurrence for 8 months and is satisfied with the cosmetic result.

Conclusion The fasciocutaneous supraclavicular island flap is a possible method to reconstruct through-and-through cheek defects for the case that reconstruction using a microvascular flap is not possible.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 May 2023