Effect of Prior Radiotherapy on the Outcome of Submental Island Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction.

The submental island flap is a new alternative to the reconstruction of various head and neck defects. But there has been a relative paucity of information about the use of this flap in irradiated patients. The authors present their preliminary experience in the use of this flap in irradiated and nonirradiated patients. Eighty-one patients (53 nonirradiated and 28 irradiated patients) underwent reconstruction with the submental island flap between March 2011 and August 2017. The authors have 13 patients of venous congestion (7 in nonirradiated and 6 in irradiated group), 7 patients of partial necrosis of the flap (4 in nonirradiated and 3 in irradiated group). The authors also have 3 patients of transient paralysis of marginal mandibular nerve (2 in the nonirradiated and 1 in irradiated group), and 2 patients of pharyngo-cutaneous fistula in nonirradiated group. The authors have no cases of total flap loss, permanent paralysis of marginal mandibular nerve but have dehiscence of the submental area after harvesting the flap in an irradiated patient. When combined with the reported experience of other surgeons, the authors' preliminary experience showed that the submental island flap was an excellent alternative in the reconstruction of head and neck defects in both irradiated and nonirradiated patients because of its reliability, versatility, and relatively acceptable complications.