Simple reconstruction of frontal sinus opened during craniotomy using small autogenous bone piece: Technical note

Abstract

Background Accidental opening of the frontal sinuses during craniotomy can lead to various postoperative complications. We report a simple and reliable reconstruction method using no exogenous or autogenous material obtained from another site. Methods This method involves packing a small wedge-shaped piece of bone obtained from the bone flap of the craniotomy into the nasal recess of the exposed sinus. The large opened frontal sinus is reconstructed as a new minimized frontal sinus with mucous membrane and bony roof in the nasal recess. Results Eleven patients with large frontal sinus opening during craniotomy (7 cases of bifrontal craniotomy for the basal interhemispheric approach) underwent frontal sinus reconstruction by packing of a small bone piece into the nasal recess. No patients suffered postoperative complications related to the opened frontal sinus such as pneumocephalus or cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. Conclusion Packing of a small bone piece from the bone flap is a quick and reliable method to reconstruct the frontal sinus opened during craniotomy.