Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026
Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
Published on: July 5, 2021
Adipofascial Radial Forearm Free Flap for Anterior Skull Base Reconstruction in Complicated Forebrain Oncological
Pier Paolo Pangrazi1, Francesco De Francesco1, Alessandro Di Rienzo2
1Department of Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery, AOU "Ospedali Riuniti" di Ancona.
Background:
Radical resections of ethmoidal tumors with intracranial extension present highly complex surgical and reconstructive problems. The purpose of report is to describe the authors' use of adipofascial radial forearm free flaps following unsuccessful anterior cranial fossa oncological surgery.
Methods:
Adipofascial radial forearm free flaps were used to treat 3 similar cases of cutaneous fistula following bone resorption with communication to anterior cranial fossa and nasal cavity.
Results:
No flap loss, no deaths, and no postoperative complications were observed. All patients underwent a nasal endoscopy, revealing adequate vitality and integration of the free flaps. One of the patients consented to additional surgery to improve outcome.
Conclusions:
Meticulous preoperative selection and an experienced interdisciplinary team are required to achieve the best surgical outcomes in complex cases. Free adipofascial forearm flaps could be an excellent therapeutic option in the reconstruction of the anterior skull base, notably in cases involving major postoperative complications.
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