Use of a sternocleidomastoid muscle flap to protect the carotid artery during laryngectomy. Issue 6 (12th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fleming, J C; Fuson, A R; Jeyarajan, H; Thomas, C M; Greene, B
• Is Part Of: Journal of laryngology & otology. Volume 135:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 547
• Page End: 550
• Publication Date: 2021-06-12
• Subjects: Head And Neck Cancer, -- Laryngectomy; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022215121001249
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2151

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: This paper describes a simple method of securing tissue coverage of the great vessels at the initial surgery by rotating the divided sternal heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, a routine step during laryngectomy, and approximating them to the prevertebral fascia. The paper presents an illustrated case example where this technique in a salvage laryngectomy repair resulted in a protected vascular axis following a salivary leak. Results: Since utilising this technique, there has been a marked reduction in the requirement of subsequent flap procedures to protect vessels, and no episodes of threatened or actual carotid blowout.