The use of the pedicled supraclavicular flap in noma reconstructive surgery

SummaryThree noma patients with large unilateral facial defects were reconstructed using the pedicled supraclavicular flap technique in the Noma Children Hospital in Sokoto, Nigeria. The results are—although not completely perfect—encouraging enough to report and to repeat the technique in future reconstructive noma surgery after moderate modifications. It is advised not to tunnel the pedicle in the neck, but instead to open the neck. Then, the flap can be inset in a Z-plasty fashion to close the neck without the chance of compression of the pedicle of the flap. In this way flap necrosis can be prevented, without the risk of a scar contracture of the neck. Another technique, which can prevent partial flap necrosis and loss of tissue, with the need for secondary stage interventions, is a delay procedure of the flap. Incorporation of the fascia in the pedicled supraclavicular flap can be another option to fulfil the abovementioned requirements.