Repair defects after endoscopic debridement of head and neck cancer carcinoma with prior irradiation of submental flaps

Abstract

Background: To explore the feasibility and effect of submental flaps to repair the head and neck carcinoma with prior irradiation after endoscopic surgery. Methods: This study retrospectively analysed five cases with necrotic or recurrent of head and neck malignant tumours of post radiation after endoscopic surgery in our department from January 2023 to December 2023, including five males and aged 43–60 years. After endoscopic resection, the submental flap was prefabricated to repair the nasopharynx or oropharynx postoperative defects. Results: All cases in which flaps were used survived, and the average size of the SF used to repair the defects was 12–15 cm by 6–7 cm. All the patients had nasal feeding and the tracheal cannula was removed hospital discharge. Among them, patients with soft palate cancer repair had mild nasal reflux symptoms with smooth breathing. Upon intraoperative evaluation, all five patients had SF venous drainage, as well as nasal blockage and inadequate nasal ventilation. During the follow-up period 6–12 months, no visible ulcer surface or dry scab formation was seen. Conclusions：This study features the use of a submental flap to repair the head and neck defects with prior irradiation after endoscopic surgery, and it is a simple and fast procedure with adequate tissue and good arteriovenous blood supply to adjacent sites. This method is reliable and effective for postoperative defect repair of head and neck carcinoma, and it is worthy of widespread promotion.