Anterior cranial base reconstruction with a reverse temporalis muscle flap and calvarial bone graft

Dural reconstruction with or without a bone graft of paranasal and anterior skullbase malignancies: Retrospective single-center analysis of 11 cases and review of literature

Introduction

The reconstruction of frontobasal defects following oncologic resections of paranasal and anterior skull base (ASB) malignancies remains challenging. Ineffective reconstruction could lead to cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis, and tension pneumocephalus.

Research question

Aim of this investigation was to analyse postoperative complication rates with or without bone graft for anterior skull base reconstruction.

Material and methods

In this retrospective study, we included patients following resection of paranasal and/or anterior skull base malignancies between October 2013 and December 2022. Complications were analysed with regards to the type of skull base reconstruction.

Results

Eleven patients were identified (2 female, 9 male, age (median, SD) 64 ± 14.1 years (range 38-81). There were nine cases of paranasal sinus and nasal cavity carcinomas and two cases of olfactory neuroblastomas. Overall survival was 22.5 ± 28 months (range: 5-78), progression free survival was 17.0 ± 20.3 months (range: 11-78). Bone skull base reconstruction using a split graft was performed in three cases. Postoperative complications requiring surgical intervention were seen in 33% (one tension pneumocephalus) of cases in the bone reconstruction group and 50% (three patients with cerebrospinal fluid leak, one infection) in the non-bone reconstruction group.

Discussion and conclusion

The structural reinforcement of structural bone chip grafting might provide additional support of the ASB and prevent CSF leakage or encephalocele. Especially in large (>10 cm2) bone defects of advanced sinonasal malignancies extending into the middle cranial fossa, the full armamentarium of reconstruction possibilities should be considered.

Prognosis of Performing Split-Rib Bone Graft for Cranial Bone Defects

BACKGROUND

Frontal sinus anterior wall defects occur because of various diseases, causing not only aesthetic problems, such as forehead bulging and upper eyelid ptosis, but also exerting physical pressure on the brain or optic nerve. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the prognosis of performing split-rib bone graft for frontal sinus anterior wall defects.

METHODS

This study included 30 patients who received a split-rib bone graft for a frontal sinus anterior wall defect. The sizes and volumes of the defects and grafts were measured using three-dimensional computed tomography before, after, and every 6 months for 2 years after the surgery. The Medical Imaging Interaction Toolkit was used for analysis.

RESULTS

The average size and volume of the grafts were 27.29 cm 2 and 5.88 cm 3 , whereas they were 23.76 cm 2 and 4.80 cm 3 at 24 months after surgery, respectively. In a graft size and volume of less than 27 cm 2 and 6 cm 3 , respectively, the rate of graft take was greater than 80% during long-term observation. The younger the age, the higher the rate of graft take. No difference was found in the defect causes. Absorption occurred for up to 18 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Frontal bone defect reconstruction revealed the stable results of the split-rib bone graft over a long period when the size and volume were less than 27 cm 2 and 6 cm 3 , respectively. Furthermore, bone resorption was seen in more than 20% to 30% of the patients, and the rate of resorption increased with age; thus, it is appropriate to consider overcorrection and other reconstruction methods.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Multilayer Anterior Skull Base Reconstruction with Cortical Rib Bone Graft: Preliminary Experience

OBJECTIVE

During the past decades, different methods have been described for anterior skull base reconstruction. Regarding larger skull base defects, few investigators have described the use of bone grafts to foster support and prevent frontal lobe sagging, herniation, or falling. The aim of this study is to describe the use of a rib bone graft, which could be an option in these cases due to its rigidity and dimensions.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data at the last follow-up of 10 patients who underwent multilayer anterior skull base reconstruction, including rib bone graft, for large anterior cranial base defects at 2 tertiary care academic hospitals.

RESULTS

Eight patients underwent endoscopic craniectomy for sinonasal malignancies, and the other two underwent transnasal endoscopic surgery for congenital meningoencephalocele. Anterior skull base defects measured on average 3.8 cm ± 0.9 SD antero-posteriorly (range 2.5-5 cm) and 2.3 ± 0.9 SD latero-laterally (range 0.9-4 cm). Multilayer reconstruction was performed in all cases, including a rib bone graft positioned as intracranial extradural layer. No patient experienced thoracic complications during the postoperative period. No side effects related to the bone graft or meningoencephalocele occurrence were reported after a mean follow-up of 8.0 ± 6.3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a cortical rib bone graft could be a safe and effective option in skull base reconstruction when managing large defects after cancer removal.

Anterior skull base reconstruction using an anterolateral thigh free flap

Background

Galeal or temporalis muscle flaps have been traditionally used to reconstruct skull base defects after tumor removal. Unfortunately, these flaps do not provide sufficient vascularized tissue for a dural seal in extensive defects. This study describes the successful coverage of large skull base defects using anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flaps.

Methods

This retrospective study included five patients who underwent skull base surgery between June 2018 and June 2021. Reconstruction was performed using an ALT free flap to cover defects that included the intracranial space and extended to the frontal sinus and cribriform plate.

Results

There were no major complications, such as ascending infections or cerebrospinal leakage. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed that the flaps were well-maintained in all patients.

Conclusion

Successful reconstruction was performed using ALT free flaps for large anterior skull base defects. In conclusion, the ALT free flap is an effective option for preventing communication between the nasal cavity and the intracranial space.

High Voltage Electric Burn Repair of the Forehead by Reverse Flow Temporalis Muscle Flap

Repairing soft tissue defects of the forehead which exposes the bare bone is a dilemma with few reconstructive techniques for plastic surgeons. Forehead is an important aesthetic unit of the face which is covered with the glabrous skin. Due to the relative lack of similar mobile tissue locally, reconstruction of large soft tissue defects of the forehead region by local flaps is demanding. Temporalis muscle flap does not reach to the midline of the forehead region because of the insufficient length of the deep temporal vascular system. During the transfer of the muscle, only a small volume and size of the muscle can reach to the defect, remaining most of the muscle bulk in the pedicle and a relatively limited arc of rotation, thus a small volume of usable tissue at the distal portion of the flap. We successfully used reverse flow temporalis muscle flap for the purpose of eliminating the above-mentioned disadvantage of temporalis muscle flap in a 23-year-old male patient who sustained a high-voltage electrical burn resulting 12 × 8 cm left forehead defect exposing the bare bone.

Huge Anterior Skull Base Defect Reconstruction on Communicating Between Cranium and Nasal Cavity: Combination Flap of Galeal Flap and Reverse Temporalis Flap

INTRODUCTION

Traditionally, galeal flap or cranialization was often used to reconstruct the skull base defect caused by trauma or tumor removal. However, in the case of huge skull base defect, galeal flap is not enough to block the communication between nasal cavity and intracranial space. In this study, authors suggest combination flap of galea and reverse temporalis muscle as a method for reconstruction of huge skull base defect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2016 to 2019, retrospective review was conducted, assessing 7 patients with bone defect which is not just opening of frontal sinus but extends to frontal sinus and cribriform plate. Reconstructions were done by combination of galeal flap and reverse temporalis muscle flap transposition.

RESULTS

Defects were caused by nasal cavity tumor with intracranial extension or brain tumor with nasal cavity extension. There was no major complication in every case. During the follow up period, no patient had signs of complication such as ascending infection, herniation and CSF rhinorrhea. Postoperative radiologic images of all patients that were taken at least 6 months after the surgery showed that flaps maintained the lining and the volume well.

DISCUSSION

Conventional reconstruction of skull base defect with galeal flap is not effective enough to cover the large sized defect. In conclusion, galeal flap in combination with reverse temporalis muscle flap can effectively block the communication of nasal cavity and intracranium.

Cryopreserved amniotic membrane and umbilical cord for a radiation-induced wound with exposed dura: a case report

An 87-year old male received surgical excision of scalp melanoma and subsequent radiotherapy due to metastasis to the skull. A radiation-induced wound developed with osteoradionecrosis that required necrotic bone excision resulting in a 7.5x8.5cm wound over the exposed dura, which remained non-healing despite many attempts by local wound care management. Due to the refractory nature of the wound, strips of cryopreserved umbilical cord (cUC) allograft were applied over the exposed dura resulting in significant vascular granulation tissue formation in the central wound bed within four weeks. Re-epithelialisation around the wound perimeter was further promoted by injection of particulate amniotic membrane umbilical cord matrix (AMUC) at the 16th week, and completed by another application of cUC strips and injection of AMUC proximal to the necrotic bone at the 21st week. Vascularisation of the necrotic bone was further promoted by application of cUC and AMUC injection directly into the bony margins at 29 weeks and 34 weeks, respectively, followed by application with an AMUC-hydrogel paste, applied four times over an eight week interval. By 96 weeks, healthy re-epithelialised tissue had formed under the necrotic bony margins. This report highlights the unique regenerative capabilities of cUC and AMUC in promoting wound healing over exposed dura in a long-standing full-thickness, radiation-induced scalp and skull wound.

Extended temporalis flap for skull base reconstruction

Traditionally, a galeal flap has been used for skull base reconstruction. In addition to the galeal flap, several other flaps, such as the temporalis muscle flap or the free vascularized flap, can be options for skull base reconstruction, and each option has advantages and disadvantages. Certain cases, however, can be challengeable in the application of these flaps. We successfully managed to cover a skull base defect using an extended temporalis flap. Herein, we present the case and introduce this novel method.

Changes in graft thickness after skull defect reconstruction with autogenous split calvarial bone graft

The ideal material for primary reconstruction of skull defect would be the autogenous bone. However, the long-term evaluation regarding the change in bone graft thickness has not been reported. In this article, we analyzed the thickness changes of the graft according to the time period. Between March 2005 and February 2011, a total of 29 patients underwent skull reconstruction with autogenous split calvarial bone grafts. After applying exclusion criteria, computed tomographic (CT) images of 15 patients were analyzed. The donor bone was harvested in full thickness as 1 piece and then as split. One half of the bone plate was transferred to the defect site; the other half, to the donor site. Both halves were fixed with titanium plates. To compare graft thickness changes, immediate postoperative and follow-up CT scans were analyzed by a single researcher. An anatomic reference was appointed for each patient, and the thickness of the graft on the same level was measured on time-series CT images. Collected data were analyzed with a polynomial random coefficient model. The main causes of the skull defects were trauma and tumor excision. In all cases, the graft thickness was not decreased but even increased in both the donor and recipient sites. The mean graft thicknesses between 6 months and 1 year after the surgery as well as those between 2 and 3 years after the surgery were 1.24-times and 1.56-times thicker than the immediate postoperative thickness, respectively. Graft thickness turned out to be either maintained or increased over time.

Vascularized rotational temporal bone flap for repair of anterior skull base defects: a novel operative technique

Repair of anterior skull base defects with vascularized grafts poses a significant challenge, given the location and small number of adequately sized vessels for free-flap anastomosis. This is particularly the case in the setting of redo surgery or in patients with preexisting soft-tissue trauma. Even more difficult is achieving a vascularized bone flap closure of such bony defects. The authors report a novel technique involving a rotational temporal bone flap with a temporalis muscle vascularized pedicle, which was used to repair an anterior fossa bony and soft-tissue defect created by recurrent malignancy.

A 55-year-old man with history of scalp avulsion during a motor vehicle accident, anterior fossa/nasopharyngeal malignant neuroendocrine carcinoma postresection, and bone flap infection presented with a recurrence of his skull base malignancy. The tumor was located in the anterior fossa, extending interhemispherically and down through the cribriform plate, ethmoid air cells, and extending into the nasopharyngeal cavity. Resection of the recurrent tumor was performed. The bony defect in the anterior skull base was repaired with a novel vascularized rotational temporal bone flap, with acceptable separation of the nasopharynx from the intracranial cavity.

The vascularized rotational temporal bone flap, in which a temporalis muscle pedicle is used, provides a novel and easily accessible means of vascularized bone closure of anterior skull base defects without the need for microsurgical free-flap grafting.

Transport distraction osteogenesis with recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 for large calvarial defect reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Transport distraction osteogenesis (TDO) has been used in attempts to treat large calvarial defects but has, until now, lacked consistency and reliability. To achieve sufficient bone formation, the effect of TDO was compared to the effect of TDO combined with recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2).

METHODS

Fourteen dogs were divided into 2 groups; 6 animals in the control group received TDO only, and 8 received TDO combined with rhBMP-2. A calvarial defect 33 × 35 mm in size was generated, and the drug-delivering internal distractor was applied. After a 5-day latency period, distraction with rhBMP-2 at 10 μg/day was initiated at a rate of 2 mm/day. This was followed by a consolidation period of 3 months, after which areas of osteogenesis and strength were measured and histologic examinations were conducted.

RESULTS

The average area of osteogenesis was higher in the experimental group (P < 0.01). Regenerated bone of the experimental group showed increased strength (P < 0.05). Histological examination showed typical mature bone in the experimental group. Prominent osteoblastic rimming was observed in the bone marrow of the experimental group.

CONCLUSIONS

TDO with an internal distraction device delivering rhBMP-2 can enhance bone regeneration of large calvarial defects in a dog model. These results suggest the potential for human clinical testing of TDO combined with rhBMP-2.

Clinical registries and quality measurement in surgery: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Surgical clinical registries provide clinical information with the intent of measuring and improving quality. This study aimed to describe how surgical clinical registries have been used to measure surgical quality, the reported findings, and the limitations of registry measurements.

METHODS

Medline, CINAHL, and Cochrane were queried for English articles with the terms: "registry AND surgery AND quality." Eligibility criteria were studies explicitly assessing quality measurement with registries as the primary data source. Studies were abstracted to identify registries, define registry structure, uses for quality measurement, and limitations of the measurements used.

RESULTS

A total of 111 studies of 18 registries were identified for data abstraction. Two registries were financed privately, and 5 registries were financed by a governmental organization. Across registries, the most common uses of process measures were for monitoring providers and as platforms for quality improvement initiatives. The most common uses of outcome measures were to improve quality modeling and to identify preoperative risk factors for poor outcomes. Eight studies noted improvements in risk-adjusted mortality with registry participation; one found no change. A major limitation is bias from context and means of data collection threatening internal validity of registry quality measurement. Conversely, the other major limitation is the cost of participation, which threatens the external validity of registry quality measurement.

CONCLUSION

Clinical registries have advanced surgical quality definition, measurement, and modeling as well as having served as platforms for local initiatives for quality improvement. The implication of this finding is that subsidizing registry participation may improve data validity as well as engage providers in quality improvement.

The Spine Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program (Spine SCOAP): a surgeon-led approach to quality and safety

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective registry of spine surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To identify variation in utilization, processes of care, and outcomes in spine surgery to improve statewide quality and safety.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Variability in the utilization and outcomes of elective spine surgery across different regions in the United States and internationally has become a growing focus of critical evaluation. In 2011, surgeons in Washington State created the Spine Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program to address variability in use, process, and outcome of spine surgery.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study from consecutive spine fusion cases and 30% sampling of other spine procedures from up to 20 hospitals (2011-2013). Logistic regression models were developed using data from 10 quarters to determine factors associated with combined adverse events inclusive of index hospital death, reintervention, and adverse events not requiring intervention, and then applied to patients in the last 2 quarters.

RESULTS

A total of 10,166 (58.9 ± 13.4 yr, 52.2% females) underwent surgery including 3767 (37%) lumbar and 6399 (63%) cervical procedures. Of the total, 75.3% of the cohort had a spine fusion and among those, neurological symptoms were described in 92.5% of patients, with baseline limb pain numeric rating scale (NRS) scores of 5.9 among those classified as having neurological symptoms. The NRS mean score for back pain was 5.9 with a mean Oswestry Disability Index/Neck Disability Index of 44. There was significant intersite variation in rates of cigarette smoking among patients undergoing fusion surgery (range, 0%-40%) and rates of combined adverse events with 10 hospitals having a significantly lower observed/expected ratio and 3 having a significantly greater observed to expected ratio.

CONCLUSION

Spine Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program identified significant variability in the indications, process of care, and outcomes related to spine surgery. This variability indicates the need for continued surveillance initiatives and point to opportunities for quality improvement and research.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2.

Variation in biliary complication rates following liver transplantation: implications for cost and outcome

Although biliary complications (BCs) have a significant impact on the outcome of liver transplantation (LT), variation in BC rates among transplant centers has not been previously analyzed. BC rate, LT outcome and spending were assessed using linked Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients and Medicare claims (n = 16,286 LTs). Transplant centers were assigned to BC quartiles based upon risk-adjusted observed to expected (O:E) ratio of BC separately for donation after brain death (DBD) and donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors. The median incidence of BC was 300% greater in the highest versus lowest DBD quartiles (19.0% vs. 5.9%) and varied 250% between DCD quartiles (20.3%-8.4%). Donor and recipient characteristics suggest that high BC centers actually used lower donor risk index organs, fewer split livers and fewer imports (p < 0.001 for all). Transplant at a center in the highest O:E quartile was associated with increased posttransplant mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.53, p = 0.007) in DCD transplant and increased graft loss (aHR 1.21, p = 0.02) in DBD transplant. Medicare spending was $22,895 (p < 0.0001) higher at centers in highest versus lowest BC quartile. In summary, BC rates vary widely among transplant centers and higher rates are a marker for an increased risk of death, graft failure and health-care spending.

3D printing technology to control BMP-2 and VEGF delivery spatially and temporally to promote large-volume bone regeneration

When large engineered tissue structures are used to achieve tissue regeneration, formation of vasculature is an essential process.

Outcomes and cost of diverted versus undiverted restorative proctocolectomy

BACKGROUND

Some observational studies suggest that diversion during restorative proctocolectomy mitigates the risk of anastomotic complications. However, diversion has its own costs and complications. The aim of this study was to compare the cost and outcomes of diverted to undiverted restorative proctocolectomy.

METHODS

This study took advantage of a natural experiment within one surgical department to understand the clinical and financial implications of diversion during restorative proctocolectomy. For the last 10 years, two surgeons routinely diverted all patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy, and two other surgeons routinely did not. The medical records of 288 consecutive restorative proctocolectomy patients were reviewed. Minimum follow-up time was 1 year, with an average of 4.7 years. Complications rates and costs of care were collected.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between rates of anastomotic leak, fistula, or hernias in diverted versus undiverted patients. The odds of having stricture (odds ratio (OR) = 17.08, P < 0.001) and small bowel obstruction (OR = 5.05, P = 0.02) were both significantly higher in diverted patients. The average cost per patient was $43,000 more in the routinely diverted patients.

CONCLUSION

Undiverted restorative proctocolectomy may be the highest value procedure with the most favorable outcomes at the lowest cost.

Improving bladder cancer patient care: a pharmacoeconomic perspective

Bladder cancer is the most expensive cancer per capita to treat in the US healthcare system. Substantial costs associated with the diagnosis, management and surveillance of bladder cancer account for the bulk of the expense; yet, for that cost, patients may not receive high-quality care. Herein the authors review the sources of expenditure associated with bladder cancer care, review population-level analyses of the quality of bladder cancer care in the USA, and discuss opportunities for quality improvement that may yield greater value for men and women newly diagnosed with bladder cancer.

Delayed endoluminal vacuum therapy for rectal anastomotic leaks after rectal resection in a swine model: a new treatment option

Anastomotic leaks are a dreaded surgical complication following colorectal operations. Creation of a temporary proximal diverting ileostomy is used in high-risk anastomoses, however, additional surgical risk is accumulated with its creation and reversal. Endoluminal vacuum therapy has been shown to seal anastomotic defects in the prophylactic setting in a pig model and we hypothesized it could be utilized in a delayed fashion to rescue subjects with an active anastomotic leak. Yorkshire pigs underwent rectal resection, intentional leak confirmed by fluoroscopy, and endoluminal vacuum therapy device placement to low continuous suction. Following treatment, a contrast enema and necropsy was performed for gross and histopathology. Pigs underwent 2 (or 5) days of free intraperitoneal leak prior to device placement and 5 (or 7) subsequent days of endoluminal vacuum therapy. Six of seven early-treated pigs sealed their anastomotic defect, while two of the four treated pigs in this extended group sealed the defect. Endoluminal vacuum therapy is feasible and well tolerated in a pig model, and it has been shown to seal a significant number of freely leaking anastomoses in the early period (86%). This technology warrants further study as it may provide a noninvasive means to treatment of anastomotic leaks.