Transoral robotic salvage oropharyngectomy with submental artery island flap reconstruction

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is an effective approach for select salvage oropharyngeal resections. Reconstruction in these scenarios is often necessary for vascular coverage and optimal functional outcomes but can be challenging. The submental artery island flap (SAIF) is well-suited to this reconstruction. DESIGN/METHOD: Two patients presented with recurrent oropharyngeal tumors after chemoradiation. Each tumor was resected using TORS, and the SAIF was utilized for reconstruction. Flap inset was completed using TORS in one case. RESULTS: Both patients experienced uneventful recovery free from bleeding events or fistula formation and experienced no partial flap loss or donor site complications. CONCLUSIONS: The SAIF is a simple reconstructive option for TORS defects that may be inset using robotic assistance and avoids the need for free tissue transfer.