Bilateral expanded cervico-pectoral "super-thin flap" for entire neck reconstruction.

Abstract

The anterior neck is a difficult area to reconstruct because the neck connects the head and body with multidirectional and complex motility. In this article, we demonstrate our cases of reconstruction with bilateral cervico-pectoral "Super-thin flaps," and discuss our reconstructive methods and results. In this study, we analyze 7 cases (male: 4, female: 3) entire anterior neck reconstruction. Fourteen expanded flaps were employed for their reconstruction. Flap size, flap viability, donor site closure method, esthetic and functional results, and follow up term were analyzed retrospectively. Flap sizes ranged from 8 x 6 cm to 17 x 10 cm. All flap donor sites were closed primarily. All cases achieved full range of motion of the neck after the operation by complete removal of contractured tissues. Natural cervical contour was achieved in 6 patients (86%). Esthetic outcomes were rated to be very good in 4 cases (57%) and good in 2 cases (29%). Expanded cervico-pector super-thin flaps combine the techniques of "flap thinning" and "flap expansion," and the study indicates that flaps are useful for the reconstruction of entire anterior neck.