BACKGROUND: A consecutive series of 85 patients undergoing craniofacial resection for malignant tumors involving the anterior cranial base between 1974 and 1992 was reviewed. RESULTS: There were two (2%) postoperative deaths. Postoperative complications occurred in 33 (39%) patients. Local major complications occurred in 26 (31%) patients, local minor in 7 (8%), and systemic in 5 (6%). More than one complication occurred in a number of patients. Bacterial contamination led to a significant proportion of local, septic complications. Repair of the skull base defect with a pedicled pericranial flap was unsatisfactory and was associated with an increased incidence of local major complications. A local major complication was associated with a dramatic lengthening of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Future endeavors for prevention of complications should focus on antibiotic prophylaxis and reconstruction of the cranial base defect with better vascularized flaps.
BACKGROUND: A consecutive series of 85 patients undergoing craniofacial resection for malignant tumors involving the anterior cranial base between 1974 and 1992 was reviewed. RESULTS: There were two (2%) postoperative deaths. Postoperative complications occurred in 33 (39%) patients. Local major complications occurred in 26 (31%) patients, local minor in 7 (8%), and systemic in 5 (6%). More than one complication occurred in a number of patients. Bacterial contamination led to a significant proportion of local, septic complications. Repair of the skull base defect with a pedicled pericranial flap was unsatisfactory and was associated with an increased incidence of local major complications. A local major complication was associated with a dramatic lengthening of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Future endeavors for prevention of complications should focus on antibiotic prophylaxis and reconstruction of the cranial base defect with better vascularized flaps.
Authors: Hedyeh Ziai; Eugene Yu; Terence Fu; Nidal Muhanna; Eric Monteiro; Allan Vescan; Gelareh Zadeh; Ian J Witterick; David P Goldstein; Fred Gentili; John R de Almeida Journal: J Neurol Surg B Skull Base Date: 2017-12-29
Authors: Justin D Miller; Robert J Taylor; Emily C Ambrose; Jeffrey P Laux; Charles S Ebert; Adam M Zanation Journal: J Neurol Surg B Skull Base Date: 2016-06-02