Locoregional and Microvascular Free Tissue Reconstruction of the Lateral Skull Base

The goals of reconstruction following any oncologic extirpation are preservation of function, restoration of cosmesis, and avoidance of morbidity. Anatomically, the lateral skull base is complex and conceptually intricate due to its three-dimensional morphology. The temporal bone articulates with five other cranial bones and forms many sutures and foramina through which pass critical neural and vascular structures. Remnant defects following resection of lateral skull base tumors are often not amenable to primary closure. As such, numerous techniques have been described for reconstruction including local rotational muscle flaps, pedicled flaps with skin paddle, or free tissue transfer. In this review, the advantages and disadvantages of each reconstructive method will be discussed as well as their potential complications.