Update on anterior skull base reconstruction

• Published in: Current opinion in otolaryngology & head and neck surgery Vol. 27; no. 5; p. 426
• Main Authors: Ein, Liliana, Sargi, Zoukaa, Nicolli, Elizabeth A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.10.2019
• Subjects: Animals; Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak - prevention & control; Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak - surgery; Free Tissue Flaps; Humans; Skull Base - surgery
• ISSN: 1531-6998
• DOI: 10.1097/moo.0000000000000572

Anterior skull base reconstruction has rapidly evolved over the past few years as endoscopic approaches to resect tumors in this region have become more established. The present review evaluates the robust amount of new literature on this topic over the past year with particular attention to minimally invasive methods for reconstruction. Although vascularized local flaps remain the mainstay reconstructive choice when available for the anterior skull base, innovative techniques for all types of reconstruction, ranging from free grafts to free flaps continue to emerge. Because of the unique challenges and wide variety of options available to repair the anterior skull base with the goal to prevent or treat cerebrospinal fluid leaks, surgical expertise and experience in this field is of utmost importance.