Musculocutaneous Submental Flap for Anterior and Lateral Skull Base Reconstruction

Abstract

Background: Reconstruction of the skull base commonly requires vascularized tissue. There are a variety of reconstructive options including the anterolateral thigh, rectus abdominis, latissimus dorsi and others. Many of these flaps have the significant disadvantage of excess bulk which may require multiple revision procedures to remove adipose tissue. Furthermore, all of these reconstructive options are a poor color match to the facial skin.