[Reconstruction methods in skull base surgery]

Surgery for extensive skull base lesions inevitably creates multiple tissue defects that require reconstruction. In this paper reconstruction methods applied in 41 skull base surgery procedures are presented. Anterior cranial fossa was involved in 13 operations (4 malignant and 9 non-malignant tumours), middle and posterior cranial fossa in 28 (9 malignant and 19 non-malignant). As a rule all the defects were reconstructed in one stage, immediately after tumour removal. Titanium mesh was the only alloplastic material used to cover bone defects in 7 patients. Otherwise only autografts were used. Postoperatively in all the patients in whom excision and repair of dura was necessary, continuous lumbar drainage of cerebrospinal fluid was maintained for 4-6 days. In anterior cranial fossa area large pediculated, vascularized periosteal flap allowed for reliable separation of upper airways from intracranial cavity. Titanium mesh was used to cover orbital wall defects. In the area of middle cranial fossa and temporal bone the most important aspects of reconstruction were watertight closure of the dura, separation of the surgical cavity from nasopharynx with rotated temporalis muscle, and facial nerve reconstruction (the nerve was reconstructed in 7 cases). Additionally in 1 patient hypoglossal nerve was sutured end-to-end. In 2 patients the invaded segment of internal carotid artery was excised and replaced with prosthesis. In 13 patients the surgical procedure was performed in an area that was previously operated upon and/or irradiated. Delayed healing was seen in 6 cases, but none required additional procedures and the wounds were completely healed with local treatment. Reconstruction methods presented in this paper are relatively simple and do not necessitate modern materials. Even in extensive procedures proper wound healing and satisfactory cosmetic result were obtained.