Revisiting the Cervicodeltopectoral Flap for Reconstruction of Cutaneous Head and Neck Defects: Technique Description and Clinical Presentation Correlates

Abstract

Revisit and discuss the advantages of the cervicodeltopectoral flap (CDP) as an alternative to microvascular reconstruction for head and neck cutaneous defects. Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed on 2 patients with prior large cutaneous facial defects after tumor resection followed by cervicodeltopectoral flap reconstruction. These cases were performed at a single institution. The tumor resections, flap reconstructions, and postoperative management were led by the listed senior author (SPK). Results: A 78-year-old (Clinical presentation 1) and 62-year-old (Clinical presentation 2) were evaluated for large nonmelanoma skin cancers of the face. Due to significant comorbidities, neither patient was an ideal candidate for microsurgical reconstruction. In both cases, lesion resection and CDP flap reconstruction was performed. The reconstruction allowed for successful coverage without significant donor site morbidity for each patient. Conclusions: The authors propose the addition of the CDP flap to the armamentarium of the head and neck reconstructive surgeon as a safe and reliable alternative to microvascular reconstruction.