Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Skull Base Reconstruction

2008 ◽  
Vol 139 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. P30-P30
Author(s):  
Matthew M Hanasono ◽  
Neha Goel ◽  
Martina Ayad ◽  
Roman Skoracki ◽  
Justin Michael Sacks
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh Flap ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Skull Base Reconstruction ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Facial Reanimation ◽  
Skull Base Defects

Objective 1) Review our experience with the anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap in skull base reconstruction. 2) Describe reconstructive techniques for skull base defects and dural coverage with simultaneous facial reanimation. Methods A retrospective review was performed for 25 consecutive patients with defects of the skull base who were reconstructed with the ALT free flap. Results Reconstructed sites consisted of 2 anterior, 7 lateral, and 16 posterior skull base defects. Neoadjuvant and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) was administered to 32% and 36% of the patients, respectively. The overall complication rate was 36% (66% recipient site and 34% donor site). One patient developed a CSF leak and one a nasocutaneous fistula. RT was associated with a two-fold increase in wound complications relative to controls. There were no flap losses and no long-term donor site probleMS 3 nerve grafts using the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and 12 static slings for facial reanimation using the tensor fascia lata were performed simultaneously with free flap reconstruction from the same donor site. 4 gold eyelid weights, 2 lateral canthoplasties, and 3 direct browlifts were also performed simultaneously. Conclusions The ALT free flap provides reliable and versatile reconstruction of skull base defects. Primary advantages of this flap reside in the ability to harvest variable amounts of skin and vastus lateralis muscle along with nerve and fascial grafts from the same operative site, minimizing operative time and donor site morbidity. In our practice, the ALT flap represents a first-line option for composite skull base defects.

scholarly journals Chimeric Anterolateral Thigh Flap in Skull Base Reconstruction: A Case-Based Update and Literature Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1076
Author(s):  
Anna Maria Auricchio ◽  
Edoardo Mazzucchi ◽  
Alessandro Rapisarda ◽  
Giovanni Sabatino ◽  
Giuseppe Maria Della Pepa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh Flap ◽  
Skull Base Reconstruction ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Case Based

Oncologic and traumatic neurosurgery may have to cope with the issue of skull base defects, which are associated with increased risk of meningitis, epidural abscess and cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) leak. The aim of skull base reconstruction is to repair the dural exposure and to separate the intracranial contents from the nonsterile sino-nasal cavities and extracranial space. Currently, many different surgical techniques have been described, and one of the most performed is the use free flap. In the present paper we performed a case-based update and literature review of the use of chimeric anterolateral thigh free flap harvested from rectus femoris, reporting the case of a 68-year-old man with recurrent spheno-ethmoidalis plane meningioma.

scholarly journals Anterior skull base reconstruction using an anterolateral thigh free flap

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 232-238
Author(s):  
Shin Hyun Kim ◽  
Won Jai Lee ◽  
Jong Hee Chang ◽  
Joo Hyung Moon ◽  
Seok Gu Kang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Anterior Skull Base ◽  
Temporalis Muscle ◽  
Muscle Flaps ◽  
Skull Base Reconstruction ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Effective Option ◽  
Skull Base Defects

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.

scholarly journals Anterolateral thigh free flap in reconstruction of lateral skull base defects after oncological resection

2019 ◽  
Vol 276 (12) ◽  
pp. 3487-3494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr Trojanowski ◽  
Marcin Szymański ◽  
Agnieszka Trojanowska ◽  
Adrian Andrzejczak ◽  
Dariusz Szczepanek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Temporal Bone ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh Flap ◽  
Petrous Apex ◽  
Recipient Site ◽  
Lateral Skull Base ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Skull Base Defects ◽  
Alt Flap

Abstract Purpose Evaluation of the utility of the free anterolateral thigh flap reconstruction of the defects resulting from radical temporal bone resection in the management of lateral skull base malignancies in a single institution. Methods An analysis of 17 en bloc subtotal petrosectomies for removal of malignant tumours was performed. There were 12 squamous cell carcinomas, 4 basal cell carcinomas and 1 adenoid cystic carcinoma. The tumours were staged with the University of Pittsburgh TNM system. In all patients, the lateral temporal bone with the preservation of the petrous apex and carotid artery was performed. All patients had parotid gland resection. The post-resection defect was reconstructed with an ALT free flap. Results Tumour radical resection and defect reconstruction with an ALT flap was achieved in all patients without intraoperative complications. The transplants were harvested as fasciocutaneous flaps, 11 perfused by musculocutaneous and 6 by septocutaneous perforators. The ALT flaps had a mean pedicle length of 8 cm (6–12 cm), and the flap size ranged between 6 × 15 cm and 15 × 30 cm. The flaps were supplied by nine facial, five occipital and three maxillary arteries. Recipient-site veins included eight internal jugular, seven facial, one retromandibular and one external jugular vein. All arterial pedicles were anastomosed in an end-to-end manner. The veins were anastomosed with interrupted sutures and in 11 cases with Synovis-Coupler® devices. All the flap transfers were performed successfully. Three patients experienced postoperative complications. Conclusions The ALT flap proved to be effective for covering large temporal skull base defects resulting from the radical removal of temporal bone malignancies. The functional and cosmetic results were acceptable with a low complication rate.

scholarly journals Stepwise Algorithm for Skull Base Reconstruction in Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery: From the Simple to the Complex

Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Belen Vega ◽  
Philippe Lavigne ◽  
Vanessa Hernandez-Hernandez ◽  
Aldo Eguiluz-Menendez ◽  
Eric Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Fat Graft ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery ◽  
Endonasal Surgery ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Skull Base Reconstruction ◽  
Skull Base Defects

Abstract INTRODUCTION The most frequent complication of endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) is postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. This study was designed to develop a step-wise algorithm for EES reconstruction across the spectrum of skull base defects: from free mucosal graft for uncomplicated pituitary adenomas to free flaps in complex cases with recurrent leaks. METHODS All patients with skull base pathologies who underwent EES between January 2017 and December 2018 were included and retrospectively analyzed. Tumor location, reconstruction method and postoperative CSF leak were reviewed and a step-wise algorithm based on size and location of defect was developed. RESULTS Location of skull base defects was categorized as follows: anterior fossa, suprasellar, sellar and posterior fossa. For all nonsellar sites, we performed a multilayer (collagen matrix + /- fascia lata + /− fat graft + vascularized flap) reconstruction. The nasoseptal flap (NSF) was the first choice for vascularized reconstruction when available. For all sellar lesions we employed a free mucosal graft unless a high-flow CSF leak was present, in which case a single-layer reconstruction with NSF was performed. When the NSF was not available, alternative local (lateral nasal wall flap) and regional (extracranial pericranial flap) pedicled flaps were successful choices. When patients failed multiple attempts at repair, regional or microvascular free flaps were options. Lumbar spinal drainage was employed for large anterior and posterior fossa defects and during secondary repair of postoperative CSF leaks. Of 347 patients, 4.6% had a postoperative CSF leak. Of 158 patients with an intraoperative leak (45.5%), 10.1% developed a postoperative CSF leak: 7.8% for sellar/suprasellar defects and 13% for anterior/posterior fossa defects. CONCLUSION This algorithm provides a standardized, stepwise approach to the reconstruction of all skull base defects after EES based on location.

Composite Skull Base Reconstruction Using the Anterolateral Thigh Flap

Skull Base ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 18 (S 01) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Hanasono ◽  
Roman Skoracki ◽  
Justin Sacks ◽  
Neha Goel ◽  
Martina Ayad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh Flap ◽  
Skull Base Reconstruction ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh

scholarly journals Experiência de um hospital de referência com o retalho livre anterolateral da coxa na reconstrução de extremidades

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolas Higa Benites ◽  
Guilherme Leipner Margatho ◽  
Fernanda Ruiz de Andrade ◽  
Luis Guilherme Rosifini Alves Rezende ◽  
Amanda Favaro Cagnolati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh Flap ◽  
Soft Tissue Reconstruction ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh Flaps ◽  
The Impact

Introdução: Com a evolução da microcirurgia ao longo dos anos o Retalho Anterolateral da Coxa vem se tornando uma das principais opções para reconstruções na cabeça, pescoço, tronco e extremidades devido sua versatilidade e confiabilidade. Objetivo: Descrever dados de um hospital terciário referência em trauma na reconstrução de extremidades com o Retalho Anterolateral da Coxa. Método: Este é um estudo retrospectivo de 18 retalhos Anterolateral da Coxa microcirúrgicos realizados entre Março de 2016 e Outubro de 2019 em pacientes de todas as idades, na reconstrução de membros, onde se observou dados referentes ao paciente: idade, sexo, membro acometido, tempo entre a lesão e a confecção do retalho; ao intraoperatório: anatomia dos vasos perfurantes, tempo cirúrgico total, vasos receptores utilizados; e informações do pós-operatório: número de cirurgias relacionadas ao retalho, necessidade de reabordagem e número de perdas. Foram excluídos pacientes que perderam seguimento ou que apresentaram dados do prontuário incompletos. Realizou-se estatística descritiva e cruzamento de algumas variáveis utilizando o teste t-Student. Resultados: Nas reconstruções houve predomínio de pacientes do sexo masculino (72%), em idade produtiva, de etiologia traumática e nos membros inferiores. O tempo médio até a reconstrução foi de 21 dias e o tempo cirúrgico foi de 384 minutos. O paciente permaneceu, em média, 39 dias internado. Dos 18 retalhos, 3 evoluíram com necrose, 2 por trombose arterial e 1 por infecção. 6 retalhos necessitaram de reaborgadem de emergência, 3 por sangramento, 2 por congestão e 1 por infecção. Foram realizadas uma média de 3 cirurgias até a alta. Foram identificadas 15 perfurantes miocutâneas (83%) e 3 septocutâneas (17%). A análise do sucesso do retalho em relação ao tempo cirúrgico e dos dias até a cirurgia não mostrou significância estatística, assim como a necessidade de reabordagem em relação ao tempo cirúrgico. Conclusão: O retalho Anterolateral da Coxa mostrou-se confiável, além de apresentar diversas vantagens como: por ser retirado com uma grande ilha de pele, apresentar pedículo longo, vasos de bom calibre, não necessitar de mudança de decúbito e apresentar baixa morbidade da área doadora.Descritores: Retalho Miocutâneo; Microcirurgia; Hospitais Especializados.ReferênciasDaniel RK, Taylor GI. Distant transfer of an island flap by microvascular anastomoses. A clinical technique. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1973;52(2):111-17.Ninkovic M, Voigt S, Dornseifer U, Lorenz S, Ninkovic M. Microsurgical advances in extremity salvage. Clin Plast Surg. 2012;39(4):491-505.Tamimy MS, Rashid M, Ehtesham-ul-Haq, Aman S, Aslam A, Ahmed RS. Has the anterolateral thigh flap replaced the latissimus dorsi flap as the workhorse for lower limb reconstructions? J Pak Med Assoc. 2010; 60(2):76-81.Spyropoulou A, Jeng SF. Microsurgical coverage reconstruction in upper and lower extremities. Semin Plast Surg. 2010;24(1):34-42.Xiong L, Gazyakan E, Kremer T, Hernekamp FJ, Harhaus L, Saint-Cyr M et al. Free flaps for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in lower extremity: a meta-analysis on microsurgical outcome and safety. Microsurgery. 2016; 36(6):511-24.Song YG, Chen GZ, Song YL. The free thigh flap: a new free flap concepted based on the septocutaneous artery. Br J Plast Surg. 1984; 37(2):149-59.Wei FC, Jain V, Celik N, Chen HC, Chuang DC, Lin CH. Have we found an ideal soft-tissue flap? An experience with 672 anterolateral thigh flaps. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2002;109(7):2219-26Kimata Y, Uchiyama K, Ebihara S, Nakatsuka T, Harii K. Anatomic variation and technical problems of the anterolateral thigh flap: A report of 74 cases. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1998; 102(5):1517-23Spindler N, Al-Benna S, Ring A, Homann H, Steinsträsser L, Steinau HU et al. Free anterolateral thigh flaps for upper extremity soft tissue reconstruction. GMS Interdiscip Plast Reconstr Surg DGPW. 2015;4:Doc05.Kimura N, Satoh K, Hasumi T, Ostuka T. Clinical application of the free thin anterolateral thigh flap in 31 consecutive patients. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2001;108(5):1197-210.Collins J, Ayeni O, Thoma A. A systematic review of anterolateral thigh flap donor site morbidity. Can J Plast Surg. 2012;20(1):17-23.Kuo YR, Jeng SF, Kuo MH, Huang MN, Liu YT, Chiang YC et al. Free anterolateral thigh flap for extremity reconstruction: Clinical experience and functional assessment of donor site. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2001;107(7):1766-71Novak CB, Lipa JE, Noria S, Allison K, Neligan PC, Gilbert RW. Comparison of anterolateral thigh and radial forearm free flap donor site morbidity. Microsurgery. 2007;27(8):651-54.Pagano M, Gauvreau K. Princípios de Bioestatística. São Paulo: Pioneira Thomson Learning; 2004.SAS Institute Inc., SAS/STAT® User’s Guide. Version 9.4. Cary, NC: SAS Institute Inc.Arruda LRP, Silva MAC, Malerba FG, Turíbio FM, Fernandes MC, Matsumoto MH. Fraturas expostas: estudo epidemiológico e prospectivo. Acta ortop bras. 2009;17(6):326-30.Cunha FM, Braga GF, Drumond Jr SN, Figueiredo CTO. Epidemiologia de 1.212 fraturas expostas. Rev Bras Ortop. 1998;33(6):451-56.Court-Brown CM, Rimmer S, Prakash U, McQueen MM. The epidemiology of open long bone fractures. Injury. 1998;29(7):529-34.Shabtai M, Rosin D, Zmora O, Munz Y, Scarlat A, Shabtai EL et al. The impact of a resident’s seniority on operative time and length of hospital stay for laparoscopic appendectomy: outcomes used to measure the resident’s laparoscopic skills. Surg Endosc. 2004;18(9):1328-30.Godina M. Early microsurgical reconstruction of complex trauma of the extremities. Plast Reconstr Surg.1986;78:285-292Smit JM, Acosta R, Zeebregts CJ, Liss AG, Anniko M, Hartman EH. Early reintervention of compromised free flaps improves success rate. Microsurgery. 2007;27(7):612-16.

scholarly journals Complex Skull Base Reconstructions in Kadish D Esthesioneuroblastoma: Case Report

2017 ◽  
Vol 78 (02) ◽  
pp. e86-e92
Author(s):  
Sheri Palejwala ◽  
Saurabh Sharma ◽  
Christopher Le ◽  
Eugene Chang ◽  
Audrey Erman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Surgical Resection ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Craniofacial Resection ◽  
Skull Base Reconstruction ◽  
Wound Breakdown ◽  
Autologous Grafts ◽  
Radical Surgical Resection

Introduction Advanced Kadish stage esthesioneuroblastoma requires more extensive resections and aggressive adjuvant therapy to obtain adequate disease-free control, which can lead to higher complication rates. We describe the case of a patient with Kadish D esthesioneuroblastoma who underwent multiple surgeries for infectious, neurologic, and wound complications, highlighting potential preventative and salvage techniques. Case Presentation A 61-year-old man who presented with a large left-sided esthesioneuroblastoma, extending into the orbit, frontal lobe, and parapharyngeal nodes. He underwent margin-free endoscopic-assisted craniofacial resection with adjuvant craniofacial and cervical radiotherapy and concomitant chemotherapy. He then returned with breakdown of his skull base reconstruction and subsequent frontal infections and ultimately received 10 surgical procedures with surgeries for infection-related issues including craniectomy and abscess evacuation. He also had surgeries for skull base reconstruction and CSF leak, repaired with vascularized and free autologous grafts and flaps, synthetic tissues, and CSF diversion. Discussion Extensive, high Kadish stage tumors necessitate radical surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy, which can lead to complications. Ultimately, there are several options available to surgeons, and although precautions should be taken whenever possible, risk of wound breakdown, leak, or infection should not preclude radical surgical resection and aggressive adjuvant therapies in the treatment of esthesioneuroblastoma.

Abdominal Fat Graft for Sellar Reconstruction: Retrospective Outcomes Review and Technical Note

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 667-674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Roca ◽  
David L Penn ◽  
Mina G Safain ◽  
William T Burke ◽  
Joseph P Castlen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Pituitary Adenomas ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Abdominal Fat ◽  
Anterior Skull Base ◽  
Fat Graft ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
Csf Leaks

Abstract BACKGROUND The transsphenoidal approach is the standard of care for the treatment of pituitary adenomas and is increasingly employed for many anterior skull base tumors. Persistent postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks can result in significant complications. OBJECTIVE To analyze our series of patients undergoing abdominal fat graft repair of the sellar floor defect following transsphenoidal surgery, describe and investigate our current, routine technique, and review contemporary and past methods of skull base repair. METHODS A recent consecutive series (2008-2017) of 865 patients who underwent 948 endonasal procedures for lesions of the sella and anterior skull base was retrospectively reviewed. Three hundred eighty patients underwent reconstruction of the sellar defect with an abdominal fat graft. RESULTS The diagnoses of the 380 patients receiving fat grafts were the following: 275 pituitary adenomas (72.4%), 50 Rathke cleft cysts (13.2%), 12 craniopharyngiomas (3.2%), and a variety of other sellar lesions. Fourteen patients had persistent postoperative CSF leak requiring reoperation and included: 5 pituitary adenomas (1.3%), 4 craniopharyngiomas (1.1%), 2 arachnoid cysts (0.53%), 2 prior CSF leaks (0.53%), and 1 Rathke cleft cyst (0.26%). Four patients (1.1%) developed minor abdominal donor site complications requiring reoperation: 1 hematoma, 2 wound complications, and 1 keloid formation resulting in secondary periumbilical infection. CONCLUSION Minimizing postoperative CSF leaks following endonasal anterior skull base surgery is important to decrease morbidity and to avoid a prolonged hospital stay. We present an evolved technique of abdominal fat grafting that is effective and safe and includes minimal morbidity and expense.

scholarly journals Reconstruction of Complex Lateral Skull Base Defects After Oral Cancer Resection With Individualized Anterolateral Thigh Flap

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhaojian Gong ◽  
Shanshan Zhang ◽  
Chang Chen ◽  
Yuan Zhi ◽  
Moxin Zi
Keyword(s):  
Oral Cancer ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh Flap ◽  
Cancer Resection ◽  
Defect Reconstruction ◽  
Lateral Skull Base ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Skull Base Defect ◽  
Skull Base Defects ◽  
Alt Flap

ObjectivesComplex lateral skull base defects resulting from advanced or recurrent oral cancer resection are continuously challenging reconstructive surgeons. This study aimed to use reconstructive methods for lateral skull base defects, explore their feasibility, and evaluate the efficacy of defect reconstruction using anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps.Patients and MethodsWe performed a retrospective case series of 37 patients who underwent lateral skull base defect reconstruction using the ALT/anteromedial thigh (AMT) flap between March 2016 and May 2021 at the Second Xiangya Hospital. The design and harvest of the flaps, methods for defect reconstruction, and reconstructive efficacy are described.ResultsOf the 37 patients, 3 were women and 34 were men, with a mean age of 51.7 years. Among the defects, 26 were through-and-through defects and were reconstructed using ALT chimeric flaps, double ALT flaps, folded ALT flap, combined ALT chimeric flaps and AMT flaps, or combined ALT chimeric flaps and pectoralis major flaps; the large lateral skull base dead spaces were filled with muscle tissues or fatty tissues. Postoperatively, 38 of the 39 ALT/AMT flaps survived completely, and the remaining flap experienced partial necrosis. Venous compromise occurred in one patient who was salvaged after operative exploration. Oral and maxillofacial wound infections occurred in two patients, salivary fistula in three patients, and thigh wound effusion in three patients. The wounds healed gradually in all patients after repeated dressing changes. Thirty-three patients were followed up for approximately 3–60 months; their oral functions and appearance were acceptable, and thigh motor dysfunction was not observed.ConclusionsWith the convenient flap design and muscle flap harvest, large and individualized tissue supply, feasible combination with other flaps, effective reduction or avoidance of wound complications, and acceptable donor site morbidity, the ALT flap is an appropriate choice for complex lateral skull base defect reconstruction.

The Application of a Free Nasal Floor Mucoperiosteal Graft in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 196-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anali Dadgostar ◽  
Christopher Okpaleke ◽  
Fahad Al-Asousi ◽  
Amin Javer
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Complete Healing ◽  
Sinus Surgery ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Skull Base Tumor ◽  
Recipient Site ◽  
Nasal Floor ◽  
Skull Base Defects

Background Numerous reconstructive techniques and materials have been reported for repair of skull base defects, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, and coverage of denuded bone, including pedicled vascularized flaps and free mucosal grafts. Objective This study described our technique of harvesting and transferring a free nasal floor mucoperiosteal graft and discussed our experience with the application of this technique. Methods A retrospective review of 19 patients (mean age, 53.7 years; 13 men, 6 women) treated with image-guided endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis or tumors. Intraoperative free mucosal graft repair was performed for large skull base defects after resection of skull base tumor (n = 7), CSF leak (n = 12), and iatrogenic CSF leak (n = 7). Repair was performed in an overlay or an underlay fashion, with a multilayer approach in cases of a large skull base defect. Patients underwent endoscopic assessment at 6 days, 5 weeks, and 12 weeks after surgery for assessment of healing and of CSF leak. The patients were followed up for a mean of 8.7 months. Results Minimal crusting was identified at the donor site in all the patients at 6 days, with no evidence of CSF leak. In cases of exposed bone and/or mucosal stripping, hyperostosis at the recipient graft site was avoided. All the patients had complete healing at the donor site and the recipient site, with minimal morbidity at 5 and 12 weeks, and no evidence of recurrent CSF leak. Conclusion The use of nasal floor mucoperiosteal free grafts in endoscopic surgery offered the advantage of ease of harvest, coverage of large defects, and multiple applications of use, with minimal donor-site morbidity.

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