Abstract:

Objective · To investigate the anatomic and imaging characteristics of superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap and its clinical application in reconstruction after radical surgery of oral cancer. Methods · Fifteen patients underwent the SCIP flap reconstruction after radical surgery of oral cancer. All patients received preoperative examinations with CT angiography, color Doppler ultrasonography and/or MR angiography. The vascular dissection for superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) and defect reconstruction were performed intra-operatively. The function recovery in recipient and donor sites was evaluated postoperatively. Patients were followed up for 2-10 months. Results · The average area and thickness of dissected flaps were (46 ± 22) cm2 and (1.2 ± 0.3) cm, respectively. The relationship between SCIA, deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA), and superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) could be classified into type 1 (8/15), type 2 (2/15), type 3 (2/15), type 4 (2/15), and type 5 (1/15). Good aesthetic outcome was obtained after surgery in the recipient sites and mouth-open width, speech, and mastication function recovered well. Conclusion · The SCIP flap is a pliable flap with long vascular pedicles and hidden donor site morbidity and an ideal option for oral maxillofacial defect reconstruction.

Key words: perforator flap, superficial circumflex iliac artery, oral maxillofacial, carcinoma, reconstruction