Concurrent plate fixation and pedicled flap coverage for open fractures complicated by soft tissue loss of the tibia in pediatric cohort: a clinical series.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment of open fractures complicated by soft tissue loss of pediatric tibial fractures remains inconclusive. The author described a protocol of concurrent plate fixation and pedicled flap coverage and retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of such injuries. METHODS: A total of 25 pediatric cases with Gustilo lllB open tibial fracture were treated by single-stage plate fixation and pedicled flap reconstruction. The reviewed information consisted of time to fix and flap, type of plate, type of pedicled flap, fracture union time, postoperative complication and the clinical outcomes by objective scoring system. RESULTS: Fix and flap was undergone between 7 and 12 days after injury with the average time of 8.2 days. Regarding the type of plate, narrow LCP was applied in 8, 3.5 mm precontoured LCP in 10, 5.0 mm precontoured in 2 and double LCP in 5. According to soft tissue reconstruction, the medial gastrocnemius flap was selected in 6 cases, myocutaneous medial gastrocnemius flap in 2, soleus flap in 3, hemisoleus flap in 5, reverse sural flap in 6 and combined medial gastrocnemius and hemisoleus flaps in 3. No flap-related complication was demonstrated. All cases established fracture union in between 12 and 24 weeks with an average time to union of 17.7 weeks. According to postoperative complications, infected plate occurred in 2 cases and implant irritation in 5. According to Puno functional score, excellent results were presented in 7 cases and good results in 18 cases. CONCLUSION: Single-stage plate fixation and pedicled flap coverage are a reliable regimen for pediatric open fractures complicated by soft tissue loss of the tibia.

The pedicled Antero lateral thigh flap for gender affirming surgery: what is different? First case series outcomes of a single center from Turkey.

The aim of this study is to share our preliminary outcomes of the pedicled Antero Lateral Thigh flap (ALTf) phalloplasty technique, which we presume to be the first reported case series of a single center from Turkey. A cross-sectional study, comprising all cases who underwent pedicled ALTf phalloplasty in our clinic, between January 2015 and December 2019, was designed. Demographic data, case characteristics and surgical details including complications were recorded. The mean age of our 26 cases was 30 (28-34) years. The mean penile length and diameter were 15.07 ± 0.98 cm and 3.9 ± 0.34 cm, respectively. Tactile sensation was evaluated by touching the radix, corpus and tip of the neo-phallus showing response in 17 (65.4%), 7 (26.9%) and 2 (7.7%) of the cases, respectively. In 14 (53.8%) of all our cases no complication was reported at all. However, in 12 (46.1%) cases, although no intraoperative complication occurred; postoperative complications were observed as Clavien-2 (3.8%), Clavien-3a (3.8%) and Clavien-3b (71%). Postoperative satisfaction rates were found 77.14% (38-94). Although relevant studies are limited, in addition to low complication rates and high satisfactory outcomes, by leading to a concealable donor site, the pedicled ALTf can be used as a preferred phalloplasty technique, especially in transmen with religious or cultural sensibility.

How to increase the success rate in microsurgical free and pedicled flap reconstructions with intraoperative multistep ICG imaging: A case series with 400 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: Over the last decade, microsurgical soft-tissue transfer became the gold standard for various reconstructions throughout the body. Continuous improvement of instruments and surgical techniques, such as intraoperative indocyanine green angiography (ICG-A), allowed for a very high success rate. This study aimed to assess and validate the role of a standard intraoperative ICG-A in free and pedicled flap surgery to improve overall outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 2018 to April 2023, 400 consecutive patients who underwent reconstruction using free and pedicled flaps were enrolled. ICG-A was always performed in a free flap after flap elevation, after microsurgical anastomosis, immediately after the flap inset, and after wound closure. In the pedicled flap, the sequential procedure was performed after flap elevation, flap inset, and wound closure. RESULTS: All 400 patients who underwent flap reconstruction using intraoperative ICG-A had an extremely low incidence of necrosis (0.75% partial necrosis among free and pedicled flaps) and reoperation for perfusion-related complications (0.75% due to acute ischemia and 0.50% due to flap congestion). Minor complications, such as hematoma, seroma, wound dehiscence, and wound infections, were managed with a second operation. No flaps were lost, and all patients were successfully treated. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed how systematic multistep ICG-A for intraoperative assessment of free and pedicled flap perfusion can significantly reduce the complication rate, including flap loss and re-exploration surgeries, in a time- and cost-effective manner.

The value of perforator flap reconstruction in painful soft tissue calcifications.

Soft tissue calcifications frequently cause debilitating pain and functional impairments, considerably affecting patients' quality of life. As they are rare entities, evidence remains sparse, especially regarding treatment effectiveness and recurrence rates. While both pharmacological and surgical treatments may alleviate symptoms, complete resection is currently believed to prevent long-term recurrence of deposits. To improve understanding and raise awareness for soft tissue calcifications, the goal of this study was to review the current state of treatment and to compare benefits and possibilities of flap reconstruction versus simple excision in improving quality of life. Furthermore, we include a successful case report of complete resolution of symptoms following quadruple perforator flap reconstruction. By systematic literature review, studies published in MEDLINE between 1980 and 2024 reporting on surgical treatment and outcome of soft tissue calcifications were included, in addition to a detailed description of our case report. A total of 53 studies reporting on 197 patients with soft tissue calcifications were included. Simple surgical excision was the most commonly (85.9%) employed procedure, demonstrating a substantial recurrence rate of 13.3%. In contrast, no patients who underwent radical excision experienced recurrence. Dermal matrix grafts and flap reconstruction were successfully used in patients requiring substantial tissue coverage, highlighting their value in complex defect reconstruction following radical excision. The combination of complete surgical resection and flap reconstruction reduces recurrence rates and improves postoperative outcomes and quality of life of these patients, supporting early radical surgical intervention as the gold standard treatment for soft tissue calcifications.

A nomogram for predicting outcomes following pedicled flap reconstruction of the lower extremity.

INTRODUCTION: Lower extremity reconstructions with soft tissue flaps account for a significant proportion of reconstructive surgery. Pedicled flaps are a procedure of choice, particularly in multimorbid patients and those with small to medium-sized defects. Complication rates are high and should not be underestimated, with accurate preoperative risk factor assessment being imperative. METHODS: Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database (2008-2021), we analyzed all patients who underwent pedicled flap reconstruction of the lower extremity. Demographic data, comorbidities, and perioperative data were extracted. We identified risk factors of major surgical complications within 30 days of surgery through uni- and multivariate regression analyses. On this basis, a nomogram for predicting the risk of complications was developed to allow for feasible point-of-care risk assessment. RESULTS: A total of 6475 adult patients were identified. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (n = 3363, 51.9%) and obesity (n = 2306, 35.6%) and most common American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class was class 3 (n = 3703, 57.2%). The most common complication was bleeding/transfusion (n = 1293, 19.9%). Multivariate regression revealed longer procedures, inpatient setting, higher ASA scores, hypertension, and procedures performed by orthopedic and vascular surgeons as predictors for higher risk of post-operative complications. CONCLUSION: Leveraging a risk- and case-mix-adjusted multi-institutional database, a nomogram for post-operative surgical complications within 30 days after pedicled flap reconstruction in the lower extremity was developed. This broadly applicable risk prediction tool can aid in decision-making when assessing patient eligibility.

Distally based peroneus brevis flap: Reconstruction of complex soft-tissue defects with bony infection of the lateral malleolus.

BACKGROUND: Managing wounds of the lateral malleolus is challenging owing to limited nearby tissues and possibly injured or inadequate vessels for free flaps, especially in case of underlying infections. Moreover, free flaps require specialized skills and are not suitable for every patient. Therefore, identifying reliable local alternatives is crucial. This retrospective study investigated the efficacy and safety of the distally based peroneus brevis muscle flap in treating complex and infected soft-tissue defects of the lateral malleolus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective medical chart review of all patients who underwent a distally based peroneus brevis muscle flap reconstruction in the context of an infected lateral malleolus defect at Geneva University Hospitals between October 2020 and January 2024 was performed. RESULTS: Ten patients underwent lateral malleolus reconstruction using a distally based peroneus brevis muscle flap primarily to address post-traumatic infections. Flap coverage was performed within 4 weeks of infection onset for post-traumatic cases, alongside antibiotic treatment. The defects were moderate in size, with a median width of 2.5 cm and length of 5.5 cm. There were no complete or partial flap failures. All patients regained the ability to walk within 5 days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The distally based peroneus brevis muscle flap was efficient in managing complex and infected soft-tissue defects of the lateral malleolus, with control of infection in all patients and minimal donor-site morbidity.

Prediction of pedicled flap survival preoperatively by operating indocyanine green angiography at 1,450 nm wavelength: an animal model study.

Background: Predicting flap viability benefits patients by reducing complications and guides flap design by reducing donor areas. Due to varying anatomy, obtaining individual vascular information preoperatively is fundamental for designing safe flaps. Although indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) is a conventional tool in intraoperative assessment and postoperative monitoring, it is rare in preoperative prediction. Methods: ICGA was performed on 20 male BALB/c mice under five wavelengths (900/1,000/1,100, /1,250/1,450 nm) to assess vascular resolution after ICG perfusion. A "mirrored-L" flap model with three angiosomes was established on another 20 male BALB/c mice, randomly divided into two equal groups. In Group A, a midline between angiosomes II and III was used as a border. In Group B, the points of the minimized choke vessel caliber marked according to the ICG signal at 1,450 nm wavelength (ICG1450) were connected. Necrotic area calculations, pathohistological testing, and statistical analysis were performed. Results: The vascular structure was clearly observed at 1,450 nm wavelength, while the 900 to 1,100 nm failed to depict vessel morphology. Necrosis was beyond the borderline in 60% of Group A. Conversely, 100% of Group B had necrosis distal to the borderline. The number of choke vessels between angiosomes II and III was positively correlated with the necrotic area (%). The pathohistological findings supported the gross observation and analysis. Conclusion: ICG1450 can delineate the vessel structure in vivo and predict the viability of pedicled skin flaps using the choke vessel as the border between angiosomes.

Contralateral facial artery myomucosal island flap for the reconstruction of T2-T3 oncologic oral defects.

Objectives: To avoid the oncologic risks of ipsilateral regional flaps, this study aimed to explore the feasibility and clinical outcomes of the contralateral-based facial artery myomucosal island flap (C-FAMMIF) for oral T2-T3 oncologic defects reconstruction. Methods: A study of flap anatomy was conducted on 7 cadaver samples and a cohort of 24 patients who received C-FAMMIF reconstruction after malignancy resection were retrospectively researched. A balanced anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) group of 47 patients was extracted as control group using propensity score matching method. Progression-free survival (PFS), functional outcomes, and donor site complications were assessed. Results: Consistent blood supply and drainage through facial artery and vein with median maximum pedicle length of 106 mm supported contralateral reconstruction. The superficial vein drainage pattern indicated safer flap harvest at contralateral neck under circumstances of ipsilateral neck dissections. The pedicle and marginal facial nerve formed three anatomical patterns. The surgical management of each was described. Patients with ipsilateral pN+ neck accounted for 41.7% and 40.4% in the C-FAMMIF and ALT group, respectively. The 2-year PFS rate between the C-FAMMIF and ALT groups was not significantly different (88.2% in C-FAMMIF group and 84.6% in ALT group, respectively, p = 0.6358). Promising recoveries were observed for swallowing function and tactile sensation. The donor sites healed upon primary closure without trismus or permanent facial palsy. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that C-FAMMIF is feasible and safe for T2-T3 oral oncologic defect reconstruction in patients with ipsilateral cN+ neck.

Outcomes of internal mammary artery perforator flap in head and neck reconstruction: A systematic review.

This study aims to evaluate the functional and prognostic outcomes associated with the internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap in various head and neck defect repairs, given the current lack of clarity on its effectiveness. We performed a systematic review of various databases: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect using keywords such as "Internal mammary artery perforator flap" and "IMAP." Screening and data extractions were performed by two individual reviewers. Articles were considered eligible if they included sufficient information on IMAP flap features, their applications in the head and neck, and outcomes. From 264 articles analyzed, 24 studies were included for qualitative analysis. Out of which, 125 patients who received internal mammary artery perforator flaps were included. Most of the patients, 103 (88%), received pedicled IMAP flaps, and 22 (12%) received IMAP free flaps. The second internal mammary artery (IMA) was favored as the single perforator (81.5%), with the combination of the first and second IMA being the primary choice for dual perforators (92.5%). IMAP flaps were predominantly single perforator flaps (65%), with 35% being dual perforator flaps. Among various applications, IMAP flaps are commonly employed in the reconstruction of neck defects (25.5%), pharyngocutaneous fistula repair (20.8%), and burn scar contracture restoration (8%). Only seven (5.6%) patients had flap complications, including venous congestion (1.6%), partial necrosis (1.6%), complete necrosis (1.6%), and incision dehiscence (0.8%). Donor sites were predominantly closed by the primary closure (92%). 3.2% of donor sites had minor complications. The average follow-up was 12.6 (IQR: 6-18) months. This systematic review highlights the effectiveness and safety of IMAP flaps in head and neck reconstruction, with positive outcomes and minimal complications.

Head and Neck Reconstruction in Burn Patients.

Reconstruction of burns in the head and neck region is challenging. This is because it must achieve both functional reconstruction and esthetic reconstruction. Local flaps are best for minor defects, particularly in the case of deep burns, because they bear the correct texture and color. However, for large deep burn wounds, simple grafting or small local flaps will not produce satisfactory results. It is also crucial to assess the extent and depth of reconstruction that is needed throughout the face-neck-anterior chest region, and to make the choice between techniques such as Z-plasty, skin grafting, super-thin flaps, and free flaps.

Acute and Reconstructive Burn Care of the Hand.

The hand is commonly affected in thermal injuries. Hand burns account for 39% of all burns and they are involved in 34% of instances when the total body surface area of a burn exceeds 15%. Inadequate or inappropriate treatment could result in significant morbidity. The ultimate integration of a burn patient into the society largely depends on the functionality of the hands. Hence, it is important to reduce complications by providing good care during the acute stage.

Postoperative Complications of Flap Procedures in Chest Wall Defect Reconstruction: A Two-Center Experience.

Background and Objectives: Chest wall defect reconstruction is a complex procedure aimed at restoring thoracic structural integrity after trauma, tumor removal, or congenital issues. In this study, postoperative complications were investigated to improve the care of patients with these critical conditions. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of chest wall reconstructions from 2004 to 2023 was conducted at Klinikum Nürnberg and Evangelisches Waldkrankenhaus Spandau-Berlin. Data included patient demographics, comorbidities, defect etiology, surgery details, and complications using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Results: Among the 30 patients included in the study, a total of 35 complications occurred in 35 thoracic wall defect reconstructions. These complications were classified into 22 major and 13 minor cases. Major complications were more common in patients with cancer-related defects, and considerable variations were observed between free flap and pedicled flap surgeries. Notably, the use of the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap with vastus lateralis muscle demonstrated promise, exhibiting fewer complications in select cases. The reconstruction of chest wall defects is associated with substantial complications regardless of the etiology of the defect and the particular surgical procedure used. Interestingly, there was a lower complication rate with free flap surgery than with pedicled flaps. Conclusions: The ALT flap with vastus lateralis muscle deserves further research in this field of reconstruction. Multidisciplinary approaches and informed patient discussions are crucial in this complex surgical field, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and technique refinement.

Posttraumatic Scrotal Reconstruction with a Pedicled "Extended" Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap: A Case Report.

The superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) perforator (SCIP) flap has been used for scrotal reconstruction after Fournier's gangrene, skin cancer, or infections. However, there are few publications with regard to penoscrotal reconstruction after a traumatic injury with this flap. In this article, we propose a new SCIP flap variation, the "extended" or "direct" SCIP flap, to effectively reconstruct a wide scrotal defect after a traumatic injury. The "extended" SCIP flap is designed medial and cranial to the anterosuperior iliac spine (ASIS) using the superficial branch of the SCIA as the main pedicle.

Functional and esthetic reconstruction of composite lower lip defects with a motor-innervated chimeric facial artery buccinator myomucosal-submental island flap.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the functional and esthetic outcomes of a chimeric innervated buccinator myomucosal-submental island flap (BMM-SIF) for large composite lower lip reconstruction. METHODS: This retrospective study included five patients who underwent lower lip tumor resection and BMM-SIF reconstruction at the Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, between August 2021 and February 2023. Lip function was evaluated using water leakage, cheek puffing tests, and superficial electromyography. Lip appearance was observed using photographs and evaluated through subjective interviews. Donor-site conditions, including facial symmetry and mouth opening, were monitored. RESULTS: All the BMM-SIFs survived. Drooling was the main complication observed shortly after surgery. The water leakage test showed complete oral competence for liquid holding in the 7th month; however, moderate air leakage was present in two patients. Electromyography revealed myoelectric signals from the innervated buccinator at the recipient site. Facial expression and food intake were typically managed. The shape and projection of the vermilion were harmonious and satisfactory for each patient. Neither microstomia nor mouth opening limitation was observed, with an average inter-incisor distance of 37.25±4.4 mm. CONCLUSION: Chimeric motor-innervated BMM-SIF effectively reconstructed large full-thickness lower-lip defects with satisfactory functional and esthetic outcomes.

The free anterolateral thigh flap substituted for a pedicled biparietal flap in reconstructing complex frontal defect.

Complex scalp defects involving soft and hard tissues pose challenges for plastic surgeons. The solution for each defect must depend on various factors and even the technical development of the infrastructure. We present a case study in which the patient had a significant total frontal defect. The first surgery was a bi-parietal flap as a salvage option to cover the defect. However, aesthetic satisfaction was not achieved. The second surgery used the anterolateral thigh flap to enhance the aesthetic result, and the placement of titanium mesh was an appropriate choice. This case may be an example of how different solutions can lead to variable results and what needs to be considered when dealing with complex scalp defects.

Use of pedicled flaps after oncologic resections in pediatric patients.

The aim of this study is to review the indications of pedicled flaps and analyze the results. A observational retrospective study of under 18-year-old oncology patients who required reconstructive surgery with pedicled flaps between 2011 and 2022 was performed. Demographic and clinical variables, indications, complications, and outcomes were collected. 236 patients were reviewed and 13 met inclusion criteria, eight girls and five boys (mean age: 10.6 years). Indications were Ewing's sarcoma (5), osteosarcoma (5), neuroblastoma, desmoid tumor, and neurofibroma. Preoperative PET-CT, MRI and bone scintigraphy were performed. The flaps were used on costal and extremity reconstruction: latissimus dorsi (5), pectoralis (2), medial gastrocnemius (2), combined latissimus dorsi, trapezius and serratus muscle, biceps femoris, fascio-neuro-cutaneous saphenous and cutaneous advancement-rotation. Two were performed on allograft and eight on prosthesis. All allowed immediate and complete closure. Six patients received intraoperative radiotherapy. One flap infection and two vascular complications were reported, a total necrosis, which required a new flap, and a partial necrosis, treated with a local plasty. Chemotherapy was resumed after 21 days (15-31). Mean follow-up time was 5.34 years. Flaps are an effective therapeutic option allowing reconstruction of large defects after pediatric oncologic surgeries. The most frequent complication was vascular.

[Repaired four cases of hypopharyngeal combined neck skin defects using a folded supraclavicular flap].

Objective:To evaluate the outcomes following the use of folded supraclavicular flap repaired hypopharyngeal combined neck skin defects. Methods:Folded supraclavicular flap were designed to repaired four cases of hypopharyngeal combined neck skin defects patients. Evaluate their repair effect （3 men,1 woman; mean age:66 years）. Hypopharyngeal fistula from 3.2 cm×1.8 cm to 4.5 cm×3.8 cm,skin defects in the neck from 3.8 cm×2.2 cm to 5.1 cm×4.5 cm. The folded supraclavicular flap from 8 cm×5 cm to 13 cm×9 cm. Results:All flaps survived, head and neck appearance was satisfactory, and no patient experienced a major complication. All patients resumed an oral diet function. No fistula recurrence or stricture developed after 6-19 months of follow-up. Conclusion:The folded supraclavicular flap is a safe and effective flap Repaired for hypopharyngeal combined neck skin defects.

A retrospective propensity score-matched analysis of oncological and functional outcomes of submental island flap versus radial forearm free flap for oral cavity cancer reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study aims to compare the oncological and functional outcomes of the submental island flap versus the radial forearm free flap used for oral cavity cancer reconstruction after minimizing differences in baseline characteristics. METHODS: Propensity scores for each oral cavity cancer patient who underwent surgical resection and immediate reconstruction with a submental island flap or a radial forearm free flap with a flap size ≤ 60 cm2 between October 2008 and December 2021 were generated based on the likelihood of being selected given their baseline characteristics. Patients were matched using a 1:1 nearest-neighbor approach. RESULTS: The final matched-pair analysis included 51 patients in each group. The 5-year overall survival, disease-specific survival, and locoregional control rates were 70.1% and 64.8% (p = 0.612), 77.3% and 83.7% (p = 0.857), and 76.1% and 73.3% (p = 0.664), respectively, for the submental island flap group and the radial forearm free flap group. Speech and swallowing functions were comparable between groups. However, there were significantly lower rates of complication associated with both donor and recipient sites in the submental island flap group, and also the duration of hospital stays and hospital costs were significantly lower in these patients. A subgroup analysis of patients in which the reconstruction was carried out using the submental island flap procedure revealed that in selected cases, the presence of clinically and pathologically positive level I lymph nodes did not affect survival or locoregional control rates. CONCLUSIONS: Although this study was not randomized, the matched-pair analysis of surgically treated oral cavity cancer patients showed that submental island flap reconstruction is as effective as radial forearm free flap reconstruction with regard to oncological and functional outcomes with lower complication rates, hospital stay, and hospital costs. This flap can be safely and effectively performed in selected cases with a clinical level I lymph node smaller than 1.5 cm and no signs of extranodal extension.

Anatomic feasibility study of a sartorius myocutaneous flap with a distally based pedicle and proximal skin paddle.

INTRODUCTION: We conducted an anatomic feasibility study of a sartorius myocutaneous flap with a distally based pedicle and proximal skin paddle to cover soft tissue defects of the knee region. HYPOTHESIS: A recent anatomic study by Mojalla showed that the sartorius muscle had 2 distinct pedicles, making it possible to isolate this muscle on its distal pedicle and harvest it with a skin paddle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This anatomic study was conducted on 10 lower limbs. The 2 criteria assessed were (1) the viability of our proximal skin paddle and (2) the arc of rotation and coverage obtained with this myocutaneous flap. RESULTS: We identified 7 proximal skin paddles after the injection of India ink into the distal pedicle of the sartorius muscle. In all cases, the arc of rotation of the flap allowed coverage of the knee region. The mean distance between the inferior edge of the skin paddle and the proximal border of the patella (DBAP) was measured at 13cm, and the mean distance between the superior edge of the flap paddle and the anterior superior iliac spine (DASIS) at 16cm. The average skin paddle size was 14 by 7cm. DISCUSSION: Our anatomic study demonstrated the feasibility of our sartorius flap with a distally based pedicle and proximal skin paddle. This technique may be a viable alternative when using gastrocnemius flaps is not feasible, or the surgeon lacks the microsurgical skills to perform free flaps. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; descriptive anatomic study.

Submental island flap versus supraclavicular island flap in oral tongue cancer reconstruction: Perioperative and functional outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The primary treatment for oral tongue cancer in both early and advanced stages involves surgical resection, which often affects tongue function. When microvascular free flaps are unsuitable for tongue reconstruction following cancer ablation, locoregional pedicled flaps become viable alternatives, for example, submental and supraclavicular island flaps. This study compares perioperative and functional outcomes between submental and supraclavicular flaps in tongue cancer reconstruction. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed the outcomes of 46 patients who underwent tongue resection and reconstruction with a submental or supraclavicular island flap between January 2015 and December 2022. We evaluated patient demographics, flap outcomes, postoperative complications, and speech and swallowing outcomes. RESULTS: The study included 24 submental and 22 supraclavicular island flap reconstructions. While demographic data were similar between the two groups, the submental island flap group had significantly shorter operative times than the supraclavicular group (291 and 347 min, respectively, p = 0.018), reduced hospital stays (14.8 and 18.6 days, respectively, p = 0.016), fewer major recipient site complications necessitating interventions under general anesthesia (1 and 6 patients, respectively, p = 0.043), and less recipient wound dehiscence (1 and 8 patients, respectively, p = 0.009). Speech and swallowing outcomes were comparable in the two groups. CONCLUSION: The submental island flap appears to be a more favorable option for tongue reconstruction than the supraclavicular island flap, offering advantages in operative time, length of hospital stays, and lower rates of major complications and wound dehiscence.