The Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap for Head and Neck Reconstruction

In the context of locally advanced head and neck malignancies, the established standard of care frequently involves the surgical excision of the primary tumor and concurrent neck dissection.1 1 Removal of malignancies in most cases involves making large tissue defects, which expose nasal and oropharyngeal cavities, neurovascular networks, thereby, increasing the risk of infection or hemorrhage. It is of high importance to address the resulting tissue defect through reconstruction with the goal to restore the typical oral and pharyngeal sealing while aiming for optimal functional and esthetic results with minimal complications. In this setting, microvascular flaps emerge as the most appealing solution for the effective reconstruction of such defects. This is particularly noteworthy in specific head and neck locations such as the tongue or the floor of the mouth. The preservation of tissue mobility, pliability, and thinness is highly demanded to uphold overall functionality. The rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap, anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap, and radial forearm free flaps (RFFF) have commonly served as reliable choices for head and neck reconstruction.2 2 However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the utilization of these flaps is followed by well-documented morbidity concerns. The ALT flap was considered as an alternative to the RFF flap due to a lower