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Updated: Jan 1, 2026
Coronoid-Temporalis Pedicled Flap for Orbital Floor Defect Reconstruction
Published on: December 5, 2025
[Free tissue transfer for skull base reconstruction of advanced oncological defects]
Bin Zhang1, Jing-hai Wan, Yong-xia Zhang
1Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China. docbinzhang@hotmail.com
Objective:
To analyze the results and the indications of free flaps in the skull base reconstruction.
Methods:
A retrospective review was performed of 25 free flaps reconstructions for skull base tumor ablation defects between March of 1999 and March of 2009. There were 9 latissimus dorsi flaps, 6 rectus abdominis flaps, 4 deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps, 3 anterolateral thigh flaps, 2 radial forearm flaps and 1 fibular flap. The defects were classified as cranial bone (100%), dura (40%), brain (12%), sino-nasal cavity (52%), mucosa (56%) and skin (80%).
Results:
Twenty-three of 25(92%) free flaps survived. One total flap failure and 1 partial flap failure occurred. Five patients (20%) had central nervous system related postoperative complications which including 1 mortality, 2 central nerve system infection and 2 cerebrospinal fluid fistula.
Conclusions:
Free flaps transfer is a reliable reconstruction technique for cranial base surgery. This provides a solution to the select advances disease otherwise surgical contraindications. Free flap is the choice for reconstruction of advanced oncological defects, especially when skin and mucosa are violated.
