Plastic reconstructive surgery techniques for defect coverage of extended skull base defects

Microsurgical free flaps for skull base reconstruction following tumor resection: Available techniques and complications

INTRODUCTION

Resection of malignant tumors located in the anterior and middle fossae of the skull base requires thorough anatomical knowledge, as well as experience regarding the possible reconstructive options to resolve the resulting defects. The anatomical and functional relevance of the region, the complexity of the defects requiring reconstruction and the potential complications that can occur, represent a true challenge for the surgical team. The goal of this study is to describe the microsurgical reconstructive techniques available, their usefulness and postoperative complications, in patients with malignant tumors involving the skull base.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

This observational, retrospective study, included all patients who underwent surgery for malignant craniofacial tumors from January 1st, 2009 to January 1st, 2019 at a University Hospital in Argentina. Only patients who required reconstruction of the resulting defect with a free flap were included.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients required reconstruction with FF; 14 were male (58.3%) and mean age was 54.9 years. Sarcoma was the most frequent tumor histology. Free flaps used were the following: anterolateral thigh, rectus abdominis, radial, latissimus dorsi, iliac crest and fibular. Complications occurred in 6 cases and no deaths were reported in the study group.

CONCLUSION

Free flaps are considered one of the preferable choices of treatment for large skull base defects. In spite of the complexity of the technique and the learning curve required, free flaps have shown to be safe, with a low rate of serious complications. For these patients, the surgical resolution should be performed by a multidisciplinary team.

When is a multidisciplinary surgical approach required in sinonasal tumours with cranial involvement?

The term “sinonasal tumours” includes a large spectrum of diseases, which are characterized by heterogeneous biological behavior and prognosis, and located in a critical anatomic area. Diagnosis and treatment of sinonasal tumours require the contribution of different disciplines. A narrative review was performed to highlight the role of surgeons in contributing to a multidisciplinary approach to sinonasal tumours. Diagnosis and staging of sinonasal tumours is challenging and requires collaboration between surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists. The identification and management of critical extensions (orbital or intracranial encroachment, vascular abutment or encasement) is fundamental for successful treatment. Most cases of advanced sinonasal tumours can undergo surgical intervention by an adequately trained otorhinolaryngological team. The contribution of neurosurgeons and oculoplastic surgeons is required in selected scenarios. In rare circumstances, multidisciplinary reconstructive strategies can be indicated for complex tissue defects. Furthermore, a multidisciplinary approach is pivotal in the management of perioperative complications. While surgery remains the mainstay of treatment, the role of non-surgical adjuvant or even exclusive treatments is constantly expanding.

Use of the Omental Free Flap for Treatment of Chronic Anterior Skull Base Infections

Chronic complications following anterior cranial fossa tumor extirpation, such as cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis, mucocele, pneumocephalus, and abscess, negatively impact patient quality of life. Robust vascularized tissue is generally required to adequately reconstruct and obliterate this complex geometric space. The aim of this study was to describe outcomes and advantages of the omental flap for these defects. Following institutional review board approval, a prospective, reconstructive database was reviewed from 2011 to 2020. Four patients with chronic anterior skull base complications treated with omental flap reconstruction were identified, with chart reviews performed. Median time from the index operation until the complication ultimately required a free omental transfer was 7.3 years. All patients underwent adjuvant radiation with the indications for surgery, including cerebral abscess, recurrent meningitis, osteomyelitis, and pneumocephalus. All free flaps survived without any need for revision. There were no donor site complications. One patient had delayed healing at an adjacent nasal wound that healed secondarily. At a median follow-up of 19.4 months, none of the patients had recurrent infections. The omental free flap has a number of properties, which make it ideally suitable for anterior skull base defects. Its malleable nature combined with the presence of multiple vascular arcades enable flexibility in flap design to contour to the crevices of 3-dimensional skull base defects. Although other free flaps are available to the plastic surgeon, the versatility and reliability of the omentum make it a first-line consideration for anterior skull base reconstruction.

Free-Flap Reconstruction of Skull Base and Orbital Defects

Orbital and anterior skull base defects present a significant challenge for reconstruction due to the complexity of the anatomy and the need for separation of intracranial and extracranial contents in this area. While endoscopic techniques have revolutionized the treatment of many anterior skull base defects, microvascular free tissue transfer is a viable option for large volume defects not suitable for traditional open approaches or for cases where endoscopic techniques have failed. The various free tissue transfer techniques for anterior skull base and orbit, as well as the advantages and disadvantages, are reviewed.

[Advanced skull defect repair]

It is presented case report of successful repair of advanced combined defect of parietal-temporal-occipital scalp over one-half of skull vault with an excellent cosmetic result. To do this, the authors used a staged expander dermal tension, i.e. repeated stretching of the remaining scalp tissues combined with cranioplasty using mesh titanium implant.