Scalp flap—a utility and reconstructive option for head and neck surgeons

Abstract

Regional scalp flaps are invaluable in resurfacing defects resulting from resections in the area of the upper face, orbit and scalp itself. The tissue lies adjacent to the defect, is easy to harvest, and can be termed as a ‘durable one-stage’ procedure. Scalp defects posterior to the vertex lend themselves to resurfacing by a posterior flap based on the occipital arteriovenous system. Anterior scalp defects including upper face and orbit can be resurfaced by an anterior scalp flap based on the superficial temporal arteriovenous system. While large areas can be resurfaced and the donor site effectively camouflaged, this flap finds less of an acceptance amongst patients with defects in the upper facial region when compared to the scalp defects. We recount our experience with these flaps and describe the high points of the reconstructive procedure and the results obtained in ten consecutive cases carried out over a three year period at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, India. The short healing time and minimal morbidity make this reconstructive option an attractive one for the practising Head and Neck Surgeon.