Oncological safety of the submental artery island flap for oral reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Document Type
Article
Department
Surgery; Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
Abstract
Background: Submental artery island flap is a pedicled regional flap which is used as one of the quicker reconstructive options for oral cavity defects. However, concerns about its oncological safety have been raised due to the proximity of the submental lymph nodes, which may harbor metastatic deposits. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the oncological safety of the SAIF oral cavity reconstruction.
Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the PICO model. Studies were included if they assessed the oncological safety of the SAIF in oral cavity reconstruction.
Results: The use of SAIF for oral cavity reconstruction appears to provide reasonable oncological safety in terms of locoregional recurrence. The overall pooled recurrence rate across the studies was 16% (95% CI: 14%-18%).
Conclusion: This systematic review demonstrates that the submental artery island flap is an oncologically safe and reliable reconstructive option for oral cavity defects following OSCC resection in carefully selected patients.
Publication (Name of Journal)
Head & Neck
DOI
10.1002/hed.70252
Recommended Citation
Taseen, S.,
Qureshi, M. H.,
Abbas, M.,
Ghaloo, S. K.,
Wasif, M.,
Iftikhar, H.,
Pasha,, H. A.,
Dhanani, R.
(2026). Oncological safety of the submental artery island flap for oral reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Head & Neck, 1-13.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_chs_chs/1298
Comments
Volume and issue number are not provided by the author/publisher.