The sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap.

A myocutaneous flap based on the sternocleidomastoid muscle appears useful in selected circumstances when preservation of the sternocleidomastoid does not compromise oncologic safety. Its principal advantage lies in the single-stage repair of smaller oropharyngeal defects not exceeding 6 cm in diameter. Of the five flaps included in this series, one underwent total cutaneous necrosis; in two of five, partial cutaneous loss developed. Despite varying degrees of epithelial loss, fistulae did not develop because of viable underlying muscle present in this compound flap.