SCIP Flap for Tongue Reconstruction

Tongue reconstruction after carcinoma resection is essential to assure adequate deglutition, speech, and social interactions. Depending on the location of the carcinoma and the size of the defect, reconstructive options should be prioritized between providing mobility or bulkiness. Hemiglossectomy defects include resections of up to two-thirds of the tongue, and reconstruction should be focused on using a thin and pliable flap, which allows for adequate mobility of the remaining tongue. Hemiglossectomy defects can be reconstructed with regional flaps, as a submental island flap, or with free flaps. The radial forearm (RF) free flap and anterolateral (ALT) perforator flap are the most frequently used techniques worldwide. In recent years, the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap has been proposed as a good alternative for intraoral reconstruction. Two similar clinical scenarios of patients with hemiglossectomy due to carcinoma resection, who were successfully reconstructed with thin SCIP flap, are presented in this chapter.