Versatility of cervicofacial flap in management of cutaneous cheek defects post tumour excision: a report of two cases

Abstract

Reconstructing a large cutaneous cheek defect post tumour excision poses a great challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. The surgical options are limited for a functional and aesthetically acceptable outcome. The microvascular free flap which is currently the gold standard is still not a common place in our practice in Nigeria. Cervicofacial flap, a single stage procedure, offers an excellent alternative as it can be done for patients who are not fit for prolonged anesthesia and can even be undertaken under local anesthesia.We presented two cases of patients with cheek tumors who had wide local excision after histological diagnosis of Basal Cell Carcinoma and Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Both defects were closed with cervicofacial flap under general anesthesia. The flaps survived with no loss.Cheek defect reconstruction with cervicofacial flap is simple, reliable and with similar favourable aesthetic outcome when compared with free flap procedure. It should be an important part of a reconstructive surgeon armamentarium. Keywords: Cheek defect; cervicofacial flap; basal cell carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma; wide local excision.