Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41801358›Full record

Observational studyEuropean archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery2026

Superior trapezius myocutaneous flap: an alternative for head and neck reconstruction. A descriptive technical case series.

Susana Herrero Alonso, Carlos Arcadio Gómez-Lanz, Endika Nevado Sánchez, Pablo García Rodríguez, Miguel Eugenio Estefanía Díez, Nicole Mercier Rodríguez

Abstract readObservational Study
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Observational study in European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Susana Herrero AlonsoDepartment of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital of Burgos, 3 Islas Baleares Avenue, Burgos, 09006, Spain. sherreroa@saludcastillayleon.es.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0007-6035-6251
Carlos Arcadio Gómez-LanzDepartment of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital of Burgos, 3 Islas Baleares Avenue, Burgos, 09006, Spain.
Endika Nevado SánchezDepartment of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital of Burgos, 3 Islas Baleares Avenue, Burgos, 09006, Spain.
Pablo García RodríguezDepartment of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital of Burgos, 3 Islas Baleares Avenue, Burgos, 09006, Spain.
Miguel Eugenio Estefanía DíezDepartment of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital of Burgos, 3 Islas Baleares Avenue, Burgos, 09006, Spain.
Nicole Mercier RodríguezDepartment of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital of Burgos, 3 Islas Baleares Avenue, Burgos, 09006, Spain.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeReconstruction of complex head and neck defects is particularly challenging in patients with significant comorbidities, prior surgery, and radiotherapy, especially when microsurgical reconstruction is not feasible. This study aims to report our experience with the superior trapezius flap as an alternative reconstructive option and to assess its outcomes.

methodsA retrospective, descriptive observational study was conducted including 12 patients who underwent reconstruction with a superior trapezius flap between 2015 and 2023. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, operative variables, complications, and outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

resultsThe mean age was 62.2 years; and 75% of patients were male. Most defects were related to malignant head and neck tumors (83.3%). A high prevalence of comorbidities was observed, including poor general condition (75%), malnutrition (50%), smoking (75%), and alcohol consumption (58.3%). Previous radiotherapy and prior surgery were present in 75% of cases, and 50% had undergone neck dissection. Mean operative time was 2.34 ± 0.38 h, and mean hospital stay was 17.4 ± 12.86 days. Initial reconstruction was successful without complications in 66.7% of cases; 33.3% required reintervention, with only one complete flap failure. Patient satisfaction was high (83.3%), and no significant donor-site morbidity was observed.

conclusionsThe superior trapezius flap is a valuable alternative for reconstruction of complex head and neck defects, particularly after neck dissection or radiotherapy. It offers effective coverage in high-risk patients with low donor-site morbidity, short operative time, and high patient satisfaction.

Indexed as

Head and Neck NeoplasmsMyocutaneous FlapPlastic Surgery ProceduresSuperficial Back MusclesAdultAgedAged, 80 and overFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedPostoperative ComplicationsRetrospective StudiesTreatment Outcomeangiosomecervical lymph node dissectionhead and neck reconstructionpedicled flapradiotherapySuperior trapezius flap

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.