Closure Of Skull Base Defects Research Articles

Reconstruction of midface defects after surgical treatment of skull base tumors

Aim. To perform a retrospective analysis of the results of surgical treatment of patients with anatomically widespread malignant skull base tumors and evaluate the possibility of using various types of closure of skull base defects. Materials and methods. The study is based on a retrospective analysis of medical records of 139 patients with midface tumors aged 14 to 77 years, operated from 1995 to 2023. Histological structure of the tumors was different. we divided all methods of reconstruction of midface defects into two groups. In the group 1, plastic closure of the defect was per-formed using flaps from anatomical areas located close to the defect. In the group 2, reconstruction was performed using flaps from distant anatomical areas. Results. In the postoperative period, we did not observe gross cicatricial face deformities, impaired chewing and swallowing functions due to cicatricial contractures of chewing muscles. Titanium mesh for reconstruction was used in 68 (48.9 %) cases. The osteoperiosteal aponeurotic flap was used in 5 cases, of which in 3 (3.8 % of the total number of patients of the 1st group) – in combination with the temporal muscle. The thoracodorsal flap was used in 62 (44.6 %) patients. various methods of its movement and combination with the anterior dentate muscle were used. In 41 (66.1 %) cases, good cosmetic and functional results were obtained. These indicators correlated with adequate choice of reconstruction method allowing elimination of most of the impaired functions. Conclusion. The use of the presented technologies for plastic closure of post-resection defects of various parts of the skull base, including those combined with extensive damage to the midface, leads to leveling of the cosmetic and functional consequences of surgical aggression.

Reliability of High-resolution Gadolinium-enhanced MR Cisternography and Gasket-seal Technique for Management of Anterior Skull Base Defects

PurposePrecise preoperative localization of anterior skull base defects is important to plan surgical access, increase the success rate and reduce complications. A stable closure of the defect is vital to prevent recurrence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. The purpose of this retrospective case series was to evaluate the reliability of a new high-resolution gadolinium-enhanced compressed-sensing SPACE technique (CS T1 SPACE) for magnetic resonance (MR) cisternography to detect cerebrospinal fluid leaks of the anterior skull base and to assess the long-term success rate of the gasket-seal technique for closure of skull base defects.MethodAll patients with spontaneous or postoperative cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea and defects of the anterior skull base presenting to the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology and Neurosurgery between 2019 and 2020, receiving a computed tomography (CT) cisternography and MR cisternography (on a 3T whole-body MR scanner using a 64-channel head and neck coil) with CS T1 SPACE sequence and closure of the defect with the gasket-seal technique, were enrolled in the study. For the cisternography, iodinated contrast agent (15 ml Solutrast 250 M®), saline (4 mL) mixed with a 0.5 mL of gadoteridol was injected into the lumbar subarachnoid space.ResultsA total of four patients were included in the study and MR cisternography with CS T1 SPACE sequence was able to precisely localize CSF leaks in all patients. The imaging results correlated with intraoperative findings. All defects could be successfully closed with the gasket-seal technique. The mean follow-up was 35.25 months (range 33–37 months).ConclusionMR cisternography with CS T1 SPACE sequence could be a promising technique for precise localization of CSF leaks and the gasket-seal technique resulted in good closure of the CSF fistula in this case series.

Closure of skull base defects after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery: the role of the local sphenoid mucosal flap for low flow leaks.

A local sphenoid mucosal flap (SMF) is naturally raised during endonasal exposure of the sella. Typically, these flaps are repositioned; however, they could be used in place of a nasoseptal flap (NSF) for closure of low-grade CSF leaks. In this study, we aim to establish the safety and efficacy of SMF closure for low-grade CSF leaks and to assess the impact on sinonasal quality of life (QoL) compared to NSF closure. In a consecutive, prospective cohort of anterior skull base pathology, data regarding sellar and suprasellar extension (Hardy grade), cavernous sinus invasion (Knosp grade), intraoperative (Kelly grade) and postoperative CSF leak, and sino-nasalQoL data (SNOT-22) were analysed. Of 187 patients with no/low flow (Kelly 0-1) intraoperative CSF leak, 127 (67.9%) received a SMF and 60 (32.1%) received a NSF. A total of 141/187 (75.4%) had nointraoperative leak, while 46/187 (24.6%) had grade-1 leaks. SMF were used in 70.9% (100/141) of cases without intraoperative leak, and 58.7% (27/46) of cases with Kelly grade-1 leaks. Hardy grade 4, grade E and Knosp grade 4 lesions were all more commonly closed with a NSF (p < 0.05). Two patients (1.1%) had postoperative CSF leaks, both in the SMF group, and both after no discernibleintraoperative leak. Sinonasal QoL was below baseline for up to 3months postoperatively. SMF cases tended to have better sinonasal QoL for up to 6weeks after surgery. Thus, in the largest cohort to date, SMF are a safe alternative to NSF for closure low-grade skull base defects. Sinonasal QoL was better in the first 6weeks after SMF closure than NSF closure.

Multiple skull base defects: features of pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment

To determine the risk factors of multiple skull base defects, as well as features of diagnosis and treatment of this pathology. A retrospective analysis included 39 patients who underwent surgery for nasal CSF leakage at the Burdenko Neurosurgical Center in 2000-2019. The study recruited patients with multiple simultant skull base defects. Traumatic defects were observed in 23 (59%) patients, spontaneous defects - in 16 (41%) cases. All patients underwent endoscopic endonasal closure of skull base defects with autografts. Multiple defects are more common in severe traumatic brain injury. The main risk factors of multiple spontaneous defects are female sex and overweight. Adequate diagnosis implies high-resolution CT (slice width 0.5-1 mm), as well as intraoperative control of all suspicious and «weak» areas. Endoscopic endonasal technique is effective and safe for multiple skull base defects (efficiency 97%).

Closure of Skull Base Defects after Endonasal Endoscopic Resection of Planum Sphenoidale and Tuberculum Sellae Meningiomas.

Background:The expanded endoscopic endonasal transplanum transtuberculum approach allows tumor removal by minimally invasive procedures. A large dural and bone defect is created during the surgical procedure, increasing the risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.Objective:The aim of this study is to describe a surgical technique and complications observed in patients undergoing endonasal resection of planum sphenoidale and/or tuberculum sellae meningiomas.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed of patients with planum sphenoidale and/or tuberculum sellae meningiomas after expanded endoscopic endonasal resection between June 2013 and August 2018, in which autologous grafts, fascia lata inlay, and nasoseptal flap onlay were used for closure of skull base defects.Results:Ten patients were included in the analysis. No cases of postoperative CSF leakages or meningitis were reported, whereas two patients evolved with postoperative infectious complications (fungal ball in right frontal sinus and brain abscess). The skull base defect created for resection measured, on average, 3.58 cm2.Conclusion:Our experience suggests that closure of skull base defects using combined fascia lata inlay and nasoseptal flap onlay is effective for preventing postoperative CSF leakage in resection of planum sphenoidale and/or tuberculum sellae meningiomas, and offers high reproducibility due to its low cost.

Study on Closure of Skull Base Defect Post-Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoid Pituitary Surgery: A Novel Flap Design.

Objective This study was aimed to compare the closure of skull base defect in endoscopic endonasal transsphenoid surgery of pituitary tumors, using bipedicled nasal septal flap versus fascial closure. The study hypothesis being that bipedicled nasal septal flap is better, compared with fascial closure of skull base defect post-endoscopic endonasal transsphenoid surgery of pituitary tumors. Methods All the eligible patients were randomly divided into two groups and then randomly allocated to the surgeons. In one group, fat and fascia lata was used for closure of the skull base defect and nasal septal flap was not harvested whereas in the other, nasal septal flap was used for closure. Results There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak between the two groups. Patients who had undergone flap repair had lower incidence of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Duration of postoperative hospital stay was also less among the group who underwent flap repair (statistically significant). Conclusion Bipedicled nasal septal flap serves an excellent cover for the skull base defect following endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. It can prevent postoperative CSF leak even in cases where tissue glue is not used.

Tension Pneumocephalus from Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery: A Case Series and Literature Review

Background: Tension pneumocephalus (TP) caused by endoscopic endonasal surgery is a serious complication. We report 4 cases of TP caused by endoscopic surgery and review other cases in the literature, with special attention given to the symptoms, imaging manifestations, therapeutic approaches. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with TP caused by endoscopic surgery in our institution from 2015 to 2018. Additionally, the MEDLINE database was searched for all case series or reports of TP caused by endoscopic surgery. Findings: Seventeen articles were identified for review, including the 4 cases from the authors' institution. Ultimately, a total of 25 cases were included in this study. The main symptoms of TP were headache and change in mental status. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage was reported in 21 patients (21/25, 84.0%). Eight patients (8/25, 32.0%) presented with the Mount Fuji sign imaging characteristic. Twenty-three patients were treated with surgical intervention for TP (endoscopic multilayer closure of skull base defect, cranial burr hole, bifrontal craniotomy). In addition, we first reported that 2 patients with TP were successfully given conservative treatment. Interpretation: The therapeutic method of TP should depend on the degree of the mass effect and clinical symptoms. When patients with TP presented with obvious symptoms of CSF leakage and intracranial hypertension, urgent surgical multilayer repair of the skull base defects or/and release of the intracranial pressure were the keys to treating these patients. However, conservative treatment under close observation was also feasible when the related symptoms were not obvious. Funding Statement: This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81870703). Declaration of Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. Ethical Approval Statement: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of AEENTH at Fudan University.

Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea in young women after 6.5 years of therapy giant prolactinoma with Cabergolin

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a rare complication in of the prolactinomas treatment with dopamine agonists. In most cases CSF leak develops within the first three months of treatment starting. The article presents a rare clinical case – later development of CSF leak after pharmacological treatment of giant prolactinoma. Women 29 years with giant endo-supra-infra-laterasellar pituitary adenoma (8,7 cm in diameter), visual impairment, cachexia, secondary amenorrhea and prolactin level more than 2 million 200 thousand mU/l treated with cabergoline. On this background, complete regression of the tumor, recovery of visual function, body mass and normalization of prolactin level was marked. Nevertheless, after 6.5 years after beginning of cabergoline therapy CSF leak occured, which required endoscopic endonasal surgery with the plastic of a CSF fistula. All patients with large and giant prolactinomas which invade into skull base structures, receiving cabergoline even for a long time, should be aware of the possibility of such complications as CSF leak and, if necessary, should urgent appeals to the otolaryngologist and the neurosurgeon. In this case closure of skull base defect is a main tactics of treatment.

The Endoscopic Buccal Fat Pad Flap for Closure of Skull Base Defects: A Report of 5 Cases.

To demonstrate the clinical utility of the buccal fat pad flap (BFPF) for closing a variety of skull base defects. A retrospective chart review of 5 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic cranial base surgery with endoscopic harvest of BFPF pedicled along the internal maxillary artery for reconstruction of the skull base between October 2013 and November2014. All 5 patients had complete take of the BFPFs with mucosalization on postoperative follow-up with no reported complications or cerebrospinal fluid leak. This is the first report on the application of endoscopic BFPF. Our experience suggests that this recently described flap is viable and a useful addition to the armamentarium of the skull base surgeon.

Endoscopic endonasal diagnosis and treatment of skull base meningoencephalocele

The study purpose was to determine the successful outcome rate of endoscopic endonasal reconstruction of skull base CSF fistulas with removal of meningocele as well as analyze disease relapses. The second purpose of the study was to describe the treatment outcomes, depending on the type, location, and size of meningocele as well as on a technique used to reconstruct the skull base defect. Three hundred and eleven patients diagnosed with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea who underwent surgery at the Burdenko Neurosurgical Institute in the period between 2007 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Meningocele was detected in 141 (45.3%) of all patients with CSF rhinorrhea. The diagnosis was made before surgery and verified during endoscopic endonasal reconstructive closure of skull base defects. Therefore, the analysis group included all cases of meningocele and meningoencephalocele verified during surgery. The study analyzed the gender, age of surgery, follow-up period, comorbidities, use of lumbar drainage, etiology of the defect, localization, type of reconstructive material, complications, and disease relapses. We defined the efficacy of endoscopic endonasal meningocele resection with fistula reconstruction as the absence of signs of CSF rhinorrhea and a hernia sac based on the data of control CT and endoscopy performed in the late postoperative period. The follow-up period ranged from 1 month to 5 years. All patients underwent endoscopic endonasal reconstruction of the skull base defect. The treatment efficacy was 110 (78%) patients for primary surgery and 26 (84%) patients for repeated surgery. Endoscopic endonasal surgery is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive technique for treatment of meningocele and meningoencephalocele, which enables resection of a hernia sac and reconstruction of dura mater and skull base defects.

Vascularized middle turbinate mucoperiosteal flap in skull base defects: follow-up analysis of 20 cases

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Vascularized flaps are preferred in repair of skull base defects since they provide quality tissue volume and allow rapid healing. Though nasoseptal flap is the gold standard it may not be available always and has its own share of pitfalls; this makes the middle turbinate flap a viable alternative. This descriptive study was designed to analyze the efficacy of middle turbinate flap in endoscopic closure of skull base defects and to define indications and limitations of the flap.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; 20 patients who underwent endoscopic closure of small and medium sized skull base defects using middle turbinate mucoperiosteal flap were analyzed and followed up. Etiology, presentation, site and co-morbidities associated with such defects were studied. Effectiveness of closure was analyzed by the ability to cover fully, graft uptake and complications. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Successful flap take up was noted in all 20 cases (100%) on long term follow up; transient cerebrospinal fluid leak was observed in 1case (5%) during the immediate post-operative period which subsided fully. Spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea (n=11 [55%]) was the most common indication for closure and unilateral watery rhinorrhea was the commonest presentation (n=13 [65%]). Benign intracranial hypertension was found to have significant association with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. Most common site of leak was the medial lamella of cribriform plate (n=11 [55%]).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Middle turbinate flap is an effective alternative to nasoseptal flap for small and medium sized anterior skull base defects; efficacy in larger defects and posterior sellar defects cannot be substantiated. &lt;/p&gt;

The Endoscopic Buccal Fat Pad Flap for Closure of Skull Base Defects: A Report of Three Cases

The Endoscopic Buccal Fat Pad Flap for Closure of Skull Base Defects: A Report of Three Cases

Principles in Skull Base Reconstruction following Expanded Endoscopic Approaches.

This study aims to describe the types of anterior skull base defects following expanded endoscopic approaches (EEA) and to outline the techniques involved in the repair of these defects. We retrospectively analyzed 63 cases of endoscopic skull base reconstruction (ESBR) following tumor excision, done from September 2011 to January 2015. These tumors consisted of 14 pituitary adenomas, 20 craniopharyngiomas, and 29 other miscellaneous tumors. The classification of skull base defects by Tabaee et al and the classification of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks by Esposito et al were considered during the ESBR. Recurrence of CSF leak was considered as failure of reconstruction. The 63 skull base defects included in this study occurred following EEA for tumor excision. Failure of reconstruction occurred in 6 six patients. All were successfully repaired, however, three patients in this series died due to tumor-related complications. The adherence to the general principles of reconstruction, appreciating the subtle differences in the nature of the various defects and the ability to adopt different strategies are the prerequisites for the successful closure of skull base defects.

Updates in anterior skull base reconstruction.

This article summarizes the indications and surgical techniques for the reconstructions of anterior skull base defects. There is increasing popularity of the vascularized pedicled flaps in endoscopic skull base surgery for the successful reconstruction of anterior skull base defects, compared with the use of free-tissue grafts. The location and size of the defect as well as the rate of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow are important considerations for selection of the most appropriate reconstructive approach. Recent literature provides evidence suggesting that pedicled flaps may be more effective for clival defects and high-flow CSF leaks, potentially reducing the incidence of postoperative CSF leaks. Although the nasoseptal flap (NSF) continues to be the mainstay of endoscopic skull base reconstruction, alternative vascularized flaps exist when the NSF is impractical or unavailable, and new surgical approaches continue to evolve. Vascularized pedicled flaps, and especially the NSF, have greatly reduced complications associated with endoscopic skull base surgery. Multiple considerations should be taken into account during closure of skull base defects, and several options are available to accommodate different needs.

Meningoencephelocele through the Lateral Craniopharyngeal Canal

Meningoencephelocele is a neural tube defect which manifests in early infancy and characterized by sac like protrusions of the brain parenchyma and it’s covering membranes which prolapsed through the skull base defect. Here we report a rare case of meningoencephelocele via the Sternberg’s canal and entering the sphenoid sinus through the onodi cell. A 53 year old presented to our outpatient department with complaints of clear watery discharge from the left nasal cavity for the past one and a half months. DNE showed an active CSF leak from the sphenoid recess. MR Cisternography confirmed the diagnosis of meningoencepholecele. Patient was managed with endoscopic excision of meningoencephelocele and closure of skull base defect. Patient is disease free on follow up.

The endonasal endoscopic harvest and anatomy of the buccal fat pad flap for closure of skull base defects.

Extirpation via expanded endonasal approaches (EEA) to the skull base can result in defects requiring vascularized rotational flap reconstruction. The buccal fat pad (BFP) is a vascularized graft described in open skull base resections, but its harvest and adequacy of vascular supply have not been examined for use with EEA. A transfacial cadaveric dissection was carried forth in a latex-injected specimen to characterize the BFP blood supply. Then a cadaveric dissection series was performed involving the endoscopic harvest and rotation of 10 buccal fat pads in five cadaveric specimens to assess defect coverage. An endoscopic medial maxillectomy combined with an anterior maxillotomy was performed prior to endoscopic harvest in cadaveric specimens. The BFP was rotated to assess its capability to reconstruct seven possible ventral skull base defects. Finally, the BFP vascular anatomy was further characterized following harvest and transposition. The BFP reconstructed defects at the greater sphenoid wing, inferior and superior clivus, sella, planum, and bilateral ethmoids in all cadaveric specimens. In some cases it covered two sites concurrently. The BFP pedicled rotational flap is a potential alternate flap following EEA in select cases. NA

Risk factors for cerebrospinal leak after endoscopic skull base reconstruction with nasoseptal flap.

The use of expanded endonasal surgery (EES) in the treatment of skull base neoplasms has increased significantly in recent years. Since 2006, the nasoseptal flap (NSF) has become the workhorse for the closure of skull base defects involving the anterior and central skull base. We hypothesized that defect site impacts the rate of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak following EES. Retrospective cohort study. Patients who underwent skull base defect repair using a NSF at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) minimally invasive skull base center were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, disease, and defect location and size were recorded along with the presence of a postoperative CSF leak. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. One hundred and twenty-one patients met inclusion criteria. Ten patients had a NSF failure with CSF leakage, 2 in the anterior skull base (frontal sinus, ethmoid, cribriform, planum), and 8 in the central skull base (sella, clivus) (P = .047). Dural defect size ≥2.0 cm(2) in the central skull base strongly correlated with the risk of flap failure (P = .034). This study of endoscopic closure of skull base defects using a NSF demonstrates there is an association between both surgical site and dural defect size with NSF failure. Expanded defects of the sella and clivus have an increased risk of failure and may warrant augmented techniques.

Risk Factors for Cerebrospinal Leak after Endoscopic Skull Base Reconstruction with Nasoseptal Flap

Objective/Hypothesis: The use of expanded endonasal surgery (EES) in the treatment of skull base neoplasms has increased significantly in recent years. Since 2006, the nasoseptal flap (NSF) has become the workhorse for the closure of skull base defects involving the anterior skull base, planum, sella and clivus. We hypothesized that defect site impacts the rate of CSF leak following EES.

Porcine small intestine submucosal graft for endoscopic skull base reconstruction

Skull base defects and encephaloceles of the sinus and nasal cavities are routinely repaired endoscopically using a variety of materials including bone, cartilage, fascia, acellular dermal allografts, and xenografts, with high success rates. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the use of porcine small intestine submucosal (SIS) grafts for endoscopic dural repair. The purpose of the current study was to review outcomes using SIS grafts in the endoscopic reconstruction of skull base defects. Review of prospectively collected data regarding skull base defect repair using SIS was performed. Demographics, location, and size of skull base defect, method of repair, successful closure, and complications were recorded. Over 4.5 years, 155 patients (mean age 49 years) underwent 170 primary skull base repairs using porcine SIS. Etiologies included tumor (76), spontaneous (51), trauma (37), and congenital (5). The majority of repairs were in combination with a nasoseptal flap (n = 113). Average defect size (length vs width) was 13 × 10.5 mm. Success rate on first attempt was 94.7% (161/170), and all defects were effectively sealed on subsequent endoscopic revision. The average follow-up was 77 weeks. Major postoperative complications, including recurrent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (9), meningitis (1), periorbital cellulitis (1), and invasive fungal sinusitis (1), occurred in 6.4% of individuals with no long-term sequelae. Use of porcine SIS dural graft was associated with excellent outcomes in this study and evidence presented here supports its routine use in the endoscopic closure of skull base defects.

Glial Heterotopia of Sphenoid in Association with a Patent Sternberg's Canal presenting with Meningitis

ABSTRACT Ectopic glial tissue, presenting at various sites of body is a rare embryonic developmental anomaly. Very few cases are reported in adults, most being incidentally detected, revealed only by histopathological findings. One of the rarest locations is the sphenoid sinus. We present here the case of a middle aged female, presenting with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea and meningitis. With the radiological finding of a soft tissue density in sphenoid sinus with erosion of left temporal skull base, she underwent lateral craniotomy, with excision of the mass and middle cranial fossa floor repair. Histopathology revealed a heterotopic glial tissue. Peroperative finding of a well-defined defect in the lateral wall of an extensively pneumatized sphenoid showed typical features of a patent Sternberg's canal. This case could be a living proof for the existence of this rare developmental anomaly. A persisting Sternberg's canal should be considered as the source of spontaneous CSF leaks with or without lesions in sphenoid sinuses with extensive lateral pneumatization. Most of the cases may be treated with an extended endoscopic approach. Extreme lateral lesions like this would benefit most from a craniotomy approach for proper closure of skullbase defect. Three years after successful surgery, she remains symptom free.