The autologous superficial femoral artery as a substitute for the carotid axis in oncologic surgery. Three new cases and a review of the literature.

ABSTRACT

When neck cancer affects the carotid artery, the best therapeutic option is to remove the tumor en bloc, including the affected vessels. When the carotid artery is revascularized, the usual practice according to the literature is to replace the defective carotid artery with an autologous graft from the saphenous vein, although it is also possible to use an autologous superficial femoral artery (SFA). The use of the SFA in oncologic surgery does not seem to be widespread; in fact, we only found 7 references (67 cases). Here we report three cases in which the SFA was employed and offer a review of the literature. The SFA has advantages and disadvantages in comparison with the saphenous vein. The need for interdisciplinary collaboration (otorhinolaryngology/vascular surgery) is very important, especially in situations where the saphenous vein is not available.