Submental Island Flap: An Alternative to Free Flap In Head And Neck Cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Submental flap is locoregional flap for head and neck tumor defects. It is based on submental vessels branch of facial vessels.

Aims and Objectives: Aim of the study was to know the effectiveness and feasibility of submental flap in head and neck cancer reconstruction in a resource-constrained rural set up.

 Materials and Methods: A total of five patients were reviewed in the Department of Surgical Oncology, which were reconstructed with submental flap after head and neck tumor resection.

 Result: Three patients were having primary site as buccal mucosa, one as tongue and one as floor of mouth. All the patients underwent supra-omohyoid neck dissection. Data included age, sex, biopsy of primary site, clinical and pathological stage, adjuvant treatment and follow up.

 Conclusion: It is concluded that submental flap is a simple flap, rapid to harvest flap, having wide arc of rotation with minimum donor side morbidity. The flap does not provide bulk to the defects and better used for mobile organ like tongue reconstruction. Various other advantages include reduce hospital stay, shorter operative time, same incision for neck dissection, hide the donor scar and lower cost as compared to free flap reconstruction of similar head and neck defects. Low ASA risk score could predict for favorable surgical outcome in SIF.