Transverse cervical artery anterior perforator flap for head and neck oncological reconstruction: Preliminary study.

Abstract

To describe the indications, technique, and our experience in the application of the transverse cervical artery anterior perforator flap (ap-TCAF) for reconstruction of head and neck oncological defects. From September 2016 to September 2019, 11 patients underwent surgical treatment for head neck squamous cell carcinoma and were subsequently reconstructed with ap-TCAFs. The clinical details were recorded, and the postoperative appearance and function were analyzed. The ap-TCAF was used to reconstruct intraoral defects in eight patients and to repair an oropharyngeal defect in one patient. In two remaining patients, the ap-TCAF was divided into two to restore defects with both an intraoral and extraoral component. The flap size ranged from 6 × 4 cm to 15 × 9 cm. All flaps healed uneventfully. There was no delayed wound healing or dysfunction at the donor site. The ap-TCAF is reliable with characteristics making it useful for head and neck oncological reconstruction, especially in male patients.