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.