The infraclavicular pedicled flap in head and neck reconstruction: applications and outcomes.

Background: An infraclavicular pedicled flap (ICPF) was recently described in the literature. This anatomical region is attractive for the restoration of head and neck oncological defects. This paper is a review of our experience with this versatile flap.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the records of all the patients operated in a tertiary-care center between August 2013 and January 2019 whose surgery involved an ICPF.

Results: Forty-four patients received an ICPF for various indications, including large vessel coverage in neck/parotid recontouring (34.1%), postlaryngectomy reconstruction (34.1%), and fistula closure (25.0%). All flaps survived. Thirteen patients experienced a postoperative complication (29.5%), six of whom (13.9%) required a repeat procedure under general anesthesia.

Conclusion: ICPF is suitable for several indications and is a useful adjunctive tool in head and neck reconstruction. It proved to have a high survival rate, with complication rates similar to other regional flaps.