PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to discuss current reconstructive options in anterior skull base reconstruction. RECENT FINDINGS: Free tissue transfer has superseded regional myocutaneous flaps in the reconstruction of large anterior skull base defects. Local flaps remain the mainstay for smaller defects. A host of nonautologous biomaterials are also used in the setting of small-to-moderate-sized defects requiring rigid support. They should not be used in the setting of radiation owing to the high extrusion rate. Lastly, the advent of endoscopic tumor resection has introduced a variety of local flaps amenable to endoscopic reconstruction. SUMMARY: The last decade has experienced a growth in anterior skull base reconstructive options owing to improvements in microvascular technique, endoscopic equipment, image guidance, and biomaterials. As a result, the choices in reconstructive technique have expanded, allowing for more radical tumor extirpations.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to discuss current reconstructive options in anterior skull base reconstruction. RECENT FINDINGS: Free tissue transfer has superseded regional myocutaneous flaps in the reconstruction of large anterior skull base defects. Local flaps remain the mainstay for smaller defects. A host of nonautologous biomaterials are also used in the setting of small-to-moderate-sized defects requiring rigid support. They should not be used in the setting of radiation owing to the high extrusion rate. Lastly, the advent of endoscopic tumor resection has introduced a variety of local flaps amenable to endoscopic reconstruction. SUMMARY: The last decade has experienced a growth in anterior skull base reconstructive options owing to improvements in microvascular technique, endoscopic equipment, image guidance, and biomaterials. As a result, the choices in reconstructive technique have expanded, allowing for more radical tumor extirpations.
Authors: Irit Duek; Alon Pener-Tessler; Ravit Yanko-Arzi; Arik Zaretski; Avraham Abergel; Ahmad Safadi; Dan M Fliss Journal: J Neurol Surg B Skull Base Date: 2018-01-05
Authors: Jose L Llorente; Fernando Lopez; Daniel Camporro; Angel Fueyo; Juan C Rial; Ramon Fernandez de Leon; Carlos Suarez Journal: J Neurol Surg B Skull Base Date: 2013-08-14