Reconstruction of accessory nerve defects with sternocleidomastoid muscle-great auricular nerve flap.

We introduced a new method for reconstruction of accessory nerve defects by using the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM)-great auricular nerve flap. Thirty-four patients receiving traditional radical neck dissection were divided into two groups: the accessory nerve not-reconstructed group (Group A, N = 19) and the accessory nerve reconstructed group (Group B, n = 15). The surgical procedure of the reconstruction is described in detail. Postoperative shoulder functions were compared between the two groups. We found that Group B experienced much better shoulder function recovery than Group A. Both groups had good wound healing. It is concluded that reconstruction of accessory nerve defects with SCM-great auricular nerve flap is simple, effective and complication-free and worthwhile.