Reconstruction after large temporal skin tumor resection with the forgotten free flap. Case report

Aim: The reconstruction of large skin tumors in the head and neck region is performed in our center with pedicled flap or free flap. In microvascular reconstructive surgery, the choice of the flap must consider many factors, such as the size and composition of the tissue defect, the distance between the recipient vessels and the defect, or even the donor site morbidity. Taking the resulting quality of life and the donor site morbidity into the account when choosing a reconstructive method is an important pillar of modern reconstructive surgery. Methods: In this publication, we present a case report of a rarely used SCIP (superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator) flap for the reconstruction of the defect after squamous cell skin cancer tumor resection in temporal region (8×9 cm). Results: The successful SCIP flap is first published in our national literature in this case report. Conclusions: SCIP flap usefully completes our reconstructive options due to its low donor site morbidity and its possibility to be harvested in parallel with primary surgery.