Nasoseptal Flap Research Articles

Bilateral Bipedicled Advancement Nasoseptal Flaps for Nasal Septal Perforation Repair: Endoscopic Versus Open Rhinoplasty Approach

Objective: To compare open rhinoplasty and endoscopic approaches with bilateral bipedicled advancement nasoseptal flaps in nasal septal perforation repair.Patients and Methods: The current study is a prospective comparative study including 53 patients with symptomatic cartilaginous septal perforation recruited from Otorhinolaryngology department, Menoufia University and distributed as 2 groups. Group I included 25 patients subjected to open approach. Group II included 18 patients subjected to endoscopic approach. Both groups were compared regarding success defined as complete or partial closure, operative details including operative duration and intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative details including patient discomfort, nasal crustations and aesthetic problems. The relationship between the success of each technique and the vertical and anteroposterior diameters of the perforation was assessed.Results: The success rate of open and endoscopic approaches were 80% and 72.2% respectively with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.55). There was a statistically significant relationship between the success of both approaches and the vertical diameter of the perforation (p = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively) There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding operative duration and bleeding. (p = 0.73 and 0.52, respectively). There was a statistically significant difference regarding discomfort and aesthetic problems favoring the endoscopic approach (p = 0.004 and 0.04, respectively).Conclusion: Both approaches are successful options for repair of nasal septal perforation with comparable results and operative details. However, the open approach may cause more discomfort and aesthetic problems. The vertical diameter of the perforation is a significant determinant of the success of both approaches.

Endoscopic trans nasal intervention in cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea: a one and half-year pilot study

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Cerebrospinal rhinorrhea from the anterior and middle skull base was repaired through the inferior intra-nasal corridor under high resolution endoscopic visualization. The sites, tissues utilized and the surgical outcome have been critically analyzed. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 47 subjects of skull base lesions underwent surgical intervention jointly in the Departments of Otolaryngology and Neurosurgery, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana during a period of 1.5 year. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Trans-nasal endoscopic intervention for cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea was undertaken in 1 male (14.3%) and 6 female (85.7%) patients. The minimum age in our study was 28 years and maximum 68 years with mean age 49.9 years. 6 (85.7%) patients had a history of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leak while 1 (14.3%) had a history of trauma prior to the leak. The body mass index (BMI) of 6 (85.7%) was in the range of 30.0–34.9. Total 6 (85.7%) patients of cerebrospinal fluid leak presented with rhinorrhea or watery nasal discharge as the chief complaint. The cribriform plate, as seen in 5 (71.4%) patients, was the predominant site of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, followed by the sphenoid, 2 (28.6%) and the fovea ethmoidalis 1 (14.3%). The tissue utilized as graft were fascia lata (7 patients), nasoseptal flap also known as the Hadad-Bassagasteguy flap (5 patients) and middle turbinate mucosa (1 patient). </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Spontaneous leaks from the cribriform plate outnumbered traumatic leaks male to female ratio was higher 1:6 in the 5th decade. Hadad-Bassagasteguy flap (in isolation or with fascia lata graft) as reconstructive material is used more commonly as compared to fascia lata. </p>

Endoscopic extrasellar skull base reconstruction using bioabsorbable plates.

Many techniques have been utilized for reconstruction of the anterior skull base. Each method has advantages and disadvantages with respect to effectiveness, morbidity, strength, and cost. Rigid reconstruction may provide advantages in certain patients. We evaluated all patients who had placement of rigid absorbable reconstruction plates in the anterior skull base in a variety of extrasellar locations and describe results and complications compared with other published techniques. A retrospective review was conducted of consecutive patients at a tertiary referral institution who underwent endoscopic extrasellar skull base reconstruction, 2012-2019, using resorbable poly (D,L) lactic acid plates (Resorb-X Sellar Wall Plate; KLS Martin; Jacksonville, FL). Data reviewed included demographic information, indication for surgery, location and size of defect, pathology, peri-operative use of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion, postoperative complications, post-operative CSF leak, adjuvant therapy, and length of follow-up. Twenty-four subjects and 25 operative procedures met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 53years (range 11-77). Average BMI was 34kg/m2. Mean follow-up time was 30months (range 1-78). Indications for surgery were CSF rhinorrhea (spontaneous, post-traumatic, or iatrogenic) or reconstruction after tumor resection. Four cases were revision procedures. Twenty patients had lumbar drains placed intraoperatively. Only two nasoseptal flaps and two free mucosal grafts were used. None of the patients had a postoperative CSF leak. There was no mortality or morbidity related to the skull base reconstruction or implanted material. The Resorb-X resorbable rigid plate provides an effective, customizable, bioabsorbable option that is easily manipulated for skull base reconstruction of defects of a variety of sizes in diverse locations. Reconstruction incorporating this plate provides an effective alternative to other previously described techniques.

Vascular pedicled flaps for skull base defect reconstruction.

ObjectiveTechniques for reconstruction of skull base defects have advanced greatly since the introduction of the vascular pedicled nasoseptal flap in 2006. The objective of this review is to assess the current state of the field by examining both intranasal and extranasal techniques of vascular pedicled skull base defect repair, their indications and success rates, and novel techniques that are currently under investigation.MethodsA review of the literature describing the use of vascular pedicled flaps in skull base defect reconstruction was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar.ResultsThe nasoseptal flap remains the most widely used vascular pedicled flap for endoscopic repair of skull base defects. Its ease of harvest, wide arch of rotation, and high success rates make it a popular choice among surgeons. Several variations including a “rescue” nasopseptal flap have been developed. Other less commonly used pedicled intranasal flaps include the middle turbinate flap and the posterior pedicled inferior turbinate flap. Additionally, several novel vascular pedicled flaps have been developed and tested in small cohorts of patients. Extranasal flaps such as the pericranial flap and the temporoparietal fascia flap are used less frequently than intranasal flaps. However, they remain valuable options for reconstruction in certain situations.ConclusionAdvancements continue to be made in the field of skull base defect reconstruction using vascular pedicled flaps. Though the nasoseptal flap remains the most widely utilized option, additional intranasal techniques continue to be developed and tested to optimize surgical outcomes and patient care.Level of EvidenceNA

Quality-of-life evaluation for patients submitted to nasal endoscopic surgery for resection of pituitary tumours.

This study aimed to evaluate the pre- and post-operative quality-of-life of patients submitted to the resection of pituitary adenoma via endoscopic transsphenoidal. This was a prospective study on patients submitted to endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery with the harvest of a nasoseptal flap who responded to the questionnaires FV-36 and SNOT-22 in the pre-operative and in months 1, 3 and 6 following the surgical procedure. A total of 42 patients submitted to pituitary adenoma resection surgery via endoscopic transsphenoidal with a nasoseptal flap were recruited. In all of the physical and mental domains (SF-36) evaluated, there was an improvement in the long-term evaluation (6months), compared to the pre-operative, as well as in the site-specific evaluation (SNOT-22). The global and site-specific questionnaires in the 6th post-operative month follow-up presented an important improvement in all the physical and mental domains evaluated, as well as in nasal function in the perception of the patients submitted to pituitary adenoma resection via endoscopic transsphenoidal, demonstrating the safety and efficiency of the procedure.

Significance of the simultaneous combined transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approach for prevention of postoperative CSF leak after surgery for lateral skull base meningioma

Lateral skull base meningiomas, particularly sphenoorbital meningiomas, sometimes extend extremely widely into adjacent structures including the paranasal sinuses. For endonasal skull base reconstruction using a vascularized nasoseptal flap for prevention of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, the simultaneous combined transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approach was applied for resection of these extensive tumors. We performed a retrospective review of four patients treated with the simultaneous combined transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approach for resection of lateral skull base meningiomas. Preoperative characteristics, tumor extent, extent of resection, complications, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. The tumor extended into the paranasal sinus, infratemporal fossa, and pterygopalatine fossa in all patients. Extracranial extension into the cavernous sinus or superior orbital fissure was detected in two and three patients, respectively. In one patient without extension into the cavernous sinus and superior orbital fissure, gross total resection was achieved, whereas in the other three patients, subtotal resection was performed, and small residual masses of the tumor remained in the cavernous sinus or superior orbital fissure to minimize the risk of postoperative ocular nerve damage. No patients experienced postoperative CSF leak. The simultaneous combined transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approach is useful for a subgroup of patients with lateral skull base meningiomas for prevention of postoperative CSF leak. Particularly in recurrent cases in which vascularized flaps from the transcranial side are likely unavailable due to prior tumor resection, this combined approach is worth considering depending on tumor extension into the paranasal sinus.

The Effect of Nasoseptal Flap Elevation on Post-Operative Olfaction and Sinonasal Quality of Life: A Prospective Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

The use of nasoseptal flaps (NSF) for defect reconstruction in endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEA) to cranial base pathology has markedly reduced rates of cerebrospinal fluid leak. However, the effect of NSF use on post-operative olfaction remains unclear. To evaluate the impact of NSF use during EEA on binarial and uninarial olfaction, and sinonasal quality of life (QOL). This was a prospective double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Patients undergoing EEA for sellar pathology were recruited from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center from December 2014 to May 2017. Subjects were randomized pre-operatively to a side of NSF harvest. Olfaction and QOL were assessed pre-operatively and 6 to 12 months post-operatively using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, "Sniffin' Sticks," and Sinonasal Outcomes Test 22. The side of dominant uninarial olfaction was determined using "Sniffin' Sticks." Thirty-one patients were enrolled. Sixteen underwent EEA without NSF (control group) and 15 with NSF. A dominant side of olfaction was identified in 14 patients with NSF; 8 patients were randomized to NSF harvest on the dominant side and the remaining 6 on the non-dominant side. NSF elevation resulted in a 4% decrease in University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test scores, but was not statistically significant compared to controls. Similarly, NSF elevation on the side of dominant olfaction resulted in a 6% decrease, but was not statistically significant when compared to the non-dominant elevation group. Change in rhinologic QOL as determined by the Sinonasal Outcomes Test 22 was not significantly different between any of the groups. The use of NSF during EEA for sellar pathology does not have a significant effect on olfaction or rhinologic QOL. The presence of a dominant side of olfaction is not a primary consideration when deciding the side of NSF harvest.

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Craniopharyngiomas with Intraventricular Extension: Case Series, Long-Term Outcomes, and Review

Traditionally, craniopharyngiomas with intraventricular extension were approached transcranially; however, endoscopic approaches are now increasingly used. We sought to study the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) in the setting of complex craniopharyngiomas with intraventricular extension and to compare it with existing literature. Patients undergoing EEA for resection of craniopharyngioma with ventricular involvement from 2002 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes were compared with previously published EEA and transcranial approach (TCA) studies for all craniopharyngioma locations. Sixty-two patients were included. Average tumor and intraventricular volume were 13.93 cm3 and 2.61 cm3, respectively. Patients presented with visual impairment, endocrinopathy, and, headache. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 47% of all cases and increased to 77% after 2012 Approximately 98% experienced improvement or stability of vision. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and meningitis rates were 19% and 8.1%, respectively. However, nasoseptal flap (NSF) use reduced CSF leak rate to 10%. Six (9.6%) patients required shunting before resection and 25% were shunted postoperatively. Seven of 10 patients (70%) treated before NSF use required shunting, whereas only 7 of 46 (15%) required shunting with NSF reconstruction. Review demonstrated similar outcomes between the present cohort and EEA or TCA for all craniopharyngioma locations. TCA had a greater GTR, however, with large study variation. EEA showed improved visual outcomes but also increased CSF leaks. EEA for craniopharyngiomas with intraventricular extension shows similar outcomes to TCA and EEA for all craniopharyngiomas, expanding this anatomic limit. Given ventricular involvement, CSF leak rates are expectedly high. GTR increased and CSF leak rates dramatically decreased with time, suggestive of the steep learning curve to complex resection.

Inferior Meatus Mucosal Flap for Septal Reconstruction and Resurfacing After Nasoseptal Flap Harvest.

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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.

Methods of Skull Base Repair Following Endoscopic Endonasal Tumor Resection: A Review.

Following the introduction of fully endoscopic techniques for the resection of pituitary tumors, there was a rapid expansion of the indications for endonasal endoscopic surgery to include extrasellar tumors of the skull base. These techniques offer significant advantages over traditional open surgical approaches to the skull base, including improved tumor resection, and better post-operative neurological outcomes. Following their introduction, however, the initial rate of post-operative CSF leak was unacceptably high. Post-operative CSF leak following skull base surgery is a major source of morbidity, and can lead to the development of life-threatening intracranial infection. The use of vascularized naso-septal flaps transformed the management of these patients, significantly reducing the rate of post-operative CSF leak and increasing the number of patients that could benefit from this less invasive treatment modality. Adequate repair of iatrogenic defects in the skull base is of crucial importance for patients with skull base tumors, as the development of a post-operative CSF leak, and the associated complications can significantly delay the administration of the adjunctive oncological therapies these patients require. In this review, we provide an overview of the latest evidence regarding skull base reconstruction following endoscopic skull base surgery, and describe the skull base repair technique in use at our institution.

Endoscopic Study of the Distribution of Olfactory Filaments: A Cadaveric Study.

Provide a detailed anatomical description of the olfactory filaments (OF) and their distribution in the nasal cavity through endoscopic endonasal dissection. Four cadaveric specimens (8 sides) were used in this study. Nasoseptal (NSM), middle (MTM) and superior turbinate (STM) mucosa dissection was performed to identify the OF and follow them superiorly to the cribriform plate (CP). Measurements of the OF were taken on the NSM, MTM, STM under direct endoscopic visualization. A Student's T-Test was performed to compare means. The NSM contained a mean of 11 OF, distributed over surface area (SA) of 173 ± 31 mm2 with the highest density of OF being found at the posterior NSM. The MTM contained a mean 6 OF, covering a mean SA of 77 mm2, with the first OF found 5 mm from the anterior border of the MTM, on average. The STM had a mean 9 OF, with the OF covering a mean SA of 96 mm2. Overall mean OF length was 6 mm. The STM OF were significantly greater in number, with a greater distance from the first OF to last OF (p < 0.05) than the MTM OF. The STM and MTM combined were found to have a greater density of OF than the NSM. The STM contains a significantly greater number of OF covering a greater area than the MTM OF. Preservation of the STM and MTM in skull base defect repair, and in routine sinus surgery, can be as beneficial for olfactory function as preservation of the NSM; particularly in CP defect repair. Moreover, our findings indicate that nasoseptal flap harvest performed at least 6 mm from the skull base preserves OF in the NSM. To our knowledge, this is the first anatomical study of the OF through direct endoscopic observation and measurements.

The Nasoseptal Chondromucosal Flap: A Rigid Reconstructive Technique for Skull Base and Orbital Defects

Introduction: The pedicled mucoperichondrial nasoseptal flap serves as the predominant reconstructive option for anterior skull base defects. Its use has also been described for repair of the lamina papyracea following orbital tumor removal. Large skull base or orbital defects may benefit from a more rigid reconstruction to reduce the risk of herniation of orbital or intracranial contents into the sinonasal cavity, which could result in enophthalmos, diplopia, or an encephalocele. Objective: This study aims to test the feasibility of using a vascularized rigid composite nasoseptal chondromucosal flap for increased structural support in repairing skull base or orbital defects. Methods: The study was conducted in a cadaver model in a surgical skills laboratory. Results: We demonstrate a novel technique for harvesting and insetting a pedicled vascularized autologous rigid composite nasoseptal chondromucosal flap to repair both orbital and anterior skull base defects. The graft is harvested with intact mucosa, cartilage, and bilateral perichondrium to preserve a contiguous vascular supply. Confirmation of successful reconstruction is achieved via transcranial and transorbital access to visualize the graft from above. Conclusion: The cartilaginous support with associated perichondrium adds to the structural integrity of the reconstruction and may serve as an alternative to devascularized autologous grafts or synthetic materials, which may be particularly advantageous in patients with large defects or those requiring adjuvant radiation.

Relationship Between the Bilateral Removal of the Middle Nasal Turbinate and the Olfactory Function in Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery

To determine the impact of endonasal endoscopic access to the skull base on the olfaction sense, involving the harvest of a nasoseptal flap, with the removal of the middle nasal turbinate. A study was performed on a prospective cohort of 50 patients who underwent transnasal endoscopic surgery of the anterior skull base, with the harvest of a nasoseptal and reverse flap. The patients were divided into 2 groups: partial unilateral removal of the middle nasal turbinate and bilateral removal. Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center tests were administered before surgery and in months 1, 3, and 6 after surgery. There was no difference in the olfactory sense, when comparing the partial removal of the middle nasal turbinate and the bilateral removal, as well as when comparing the side without the middle nasal turbinate and the side with this structure preserved. There was a worsening in olfaction (P < 0.001) in months 1 and 3 after surgery, returning to baseline in month 6 (P > 0.05). Bilateral removal of the middle nasal turbinate, compared with unilateral resection, showed no impact on the olfactory function 6 months after surgery. In both groups, there was a transitory decrease in the first month, but this normalized by the sixth postoperative month.

Quantitative determination of the optimal temporoparietal fascia flap necessary to repair skull-base defects.

The ability to reconstruct large cranial base defects has greatly improved with the development of pedicled vascularized flaps. The temporoparietal fascia flap (TPFF) is a viable alternative to the Hadad-Bassagasteguy nasoseptal flap for large ventral skull-base defects. This study aims to characterize the size of the TPFF necessary for optimal ventral skull-base reconstruction. Eleven formaldehyde-fixed cadaveric heads were used to harvest TPFF of varying heights on each side (total = 22). TPFF was passed through the pterygomaxillary fissure (PMF) to the ventral skull base to assess its coverage. For a subgroup of 12 sides, the TPFF was trimmed to determine the minimum height necessary for coverage. The TPFF height was (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) 14.72 ± 1.02 cm (range, 12.5 to 16.5 cm) and width was 8.43 ± 1.05 cm (range, 6 to 10.5 cm). The distance from the TPFF pedicle through the PMF was 5.8 ± 0.5 cm (range, 5 to 6.5 cm). All TPFF flaps provided complete ipsilateral coverage of clival defects, and all but 1 covered the entire clivus. All TPFF flaps, when rotated anteriorly, provided coverage up to the cribriform plate. The minimum TPFF height necessary for complete coverage of cribriform defects and ventral defects up to the planum sphenoidale was 12 cm. TPFF height for specimens with and without complete ventral skull-base coverage was significantly different (p < 0.0001). The TPFF is a versatile alternative to the nasoseptal flap and a height of at least 12 cm can provide enough coverage for all ventral skull base defects.

Extended approach or usage of nasoseptal flap is a risk factor for olfactory dysfunction after endoscopic anterior skullbase surgery: results from 928 patients in a single tertiary center

The aim of this study was to compare olfactory function change in patients who underwent endoscopic skull-base surgery. A total of 928 patients were included in this retrospective study. Olfactory function was measured using the non- validated Likert scale (0â€"100), the Cross-Cultural Smell Identification Test (CC-SIT) and the butanol threshold test (BTT). Patients were divided into two groups: an endoscopic trans-sellar approach group (ETA, n = 768) and an extended endoscopic endonasal approach group (EEEA, n = 160). The ETA group was sub-divided into Nasoseptal flap (NSF) and no NSF groups. Non-validated olfactory function significantly worsened in the EEEA and ETA-NSF groups compared with that in the ETA- no NSF group for at least 6 months post-operatively. Validated olfactory impairment (BTT and CC-SIT) was also significantly worse in the EEEA and NSF groups compared with that in the ETA-no NSF group 3 months post-operatively. Additionally, the degrees of non-validated and validated olfactory deterioration were not significantly different between the EEEA and ETA-NSF groups. We also found that CC-SIT score changes were significantly impaired in tuberculum sellae meningioma patients than in craniopharyn- gioma patients. We conclude that NSF was the key factor that led to olfactory impairment after endoscopic skull-base surgery.

Practical Guide for Identification of Internal Carotid Artery During Endoscopic Nasopharyngectomy.

View Supplementary Video 1 Laryngoscope, 2020

Prior smoking and nasoseptal flap usage adversely impact quality of life and healing after endoscopic pituitary surgery.

Endoscopic pituitary surgery (EPS) via the endonasal transsphenoidal approach is well established as an effective treatment modality for sellar masses. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between key patient and operative variables and rhinological outcomes as determined by the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and endoscopic scores following EPS. Prospectively collected SNOT-22 scores and objective endoscopic data were analyzed from a cohort of 109 patients who underwent EPS and had at least 90 days of postoperative follow-up. Trends in postoperative SNOT-22 scores were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Time to return to baseline endoscopic score was analyzed using Cox regression. After adjusting for age and sex, the authors found that prior smokers had higher total and rhinological subdomain SNOT-22 scores (p < 0.01, 95% CI 5.82-16.39; p = 0.01, 95% CI 1.38-5.09, respectively) following EPS. Nasoseptal flap use also showed higher total and rhinological subdomain SNOT-22 scores (p = 0.01, 95% CI 1.62-12.60; p = 0.02, 95% CI 0.42-4.30, respectively). Prior sinonasal surgery and concurrent septoplasty did not affect the change in SNOT-22 total scores over time (p = 0.08, 95% CI -0.40 to 0.02; p = 0.33, 95% CI -0.09 to 0.29). The findings suggest that the evolution of healing and patient-reported quality of life (QOL) measures are multifaceted with contributions from two key variables. Nasoseptal flap usage and prior smoking status may adversely impact postoperative QOL. No variables were found to be associated with objective postoperative endoscopic findings.

Subcranial surgery of nasal CSF leak, endoscopic capabilities

Introduction: The problem of choosing surgical approach in the treatment of CSF leak is the subject of discussion depending of the location and the size of the bone defect of the skull base. Materials and methods: 37 patients with nasal CSF leak were treated. In 17 cases, nasal CSF leak was caused by meningo(encephalo)cele. Spontaneous nasal cerebrospinal fluid occurred in 14 cases. In 3 cases, nasal CSF leak was the result of traumatic brain injury (in one case, the cause of nasal CSF leak was post-traumatic meningoencephalocele of the frontal sinus); in the other 3 cases there was postoperative wound nasal cerebrospinal fluid. Results and discussion: Groups of patients were formed depending on the use of vascularized or moved (free) flaps: 1). Multilayer plastics of bone defects of the anterior and middle cranial fossae using displaced (free) flaps. 2). Multilayer plastic of bone defects of the anterior and middle cranial fossa using a nasoseptal flap or middle nasal concha on the leg. In all cases (100%) nasal CSF leak was eliminated. External lumbar drainage was performed in 6 patients and only in cases where the plastic of the bone defect was performed by displaced free flaps. Conclusions: 1). The use of endoscopic endonasal techniques is a minimally invasive method to close skull base bone defects (including large – more than 20 mm) in the area of the anterior and middle cranial fossae. 2). Subcranial approaches are expedient, effective and technically more convenient for nasal CSF leak defects of the frontal sinus and defects in the anterior cells of the etmoid bone.3). Vascularized flaps is expedient for plastic at middle (11-20 mm) and big (more than 20 mm) bone defects of skull base.

Chronic Aspiration Pneumonitis Caused by Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Fistulae of the Skull Base.

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks of the skull base are associated with obesity, multiparity, and elevated intracranial pressure. Although spontaneous CSF leaks often present with rhinorrhea, they can be an underdiagnosed cause of chronic aspiration pneumonitis, a complication that has not been previously reported in detail. Retrospective case series. The authors retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing surgical repair of CSF fistulae at the University of Southern California between 2011 and 2018 to identify those presenting with pulmonary symptoms including dyspnea, aspiration, chronic cough, and shortness of breath caused by chronic noniatrogenic CSF pneumonitis. Symptomatic chronic pneumonitis was evident in six of 20 patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea. Five women (mean body mass index = 36) had CSF leaks arising from the fovea ethmoidalis (n = 4) and lateral sphenoid region (n = 1). One man had a middle fossa floor dehiscence draining through the eustachian tube. All patients had bilateral ground-glass opacities in their lungs on computed tomography imaging that were attributed to spontaneous CSF fistulae arising from noniatrogenic skull base defects, and one patient underwent a biopsy of a lung lesion at another hospital showing chronic bronchiolitis and adjacent peribronchiolar metaplasia. Five patients underwent endoscopic endonasal repair using an autologous fascial graft and pedicled nasoseptal flap, and one underwent craniotomy for repair. All patients underwent successful repair with no complications or evidence of recurrence. Upon repair of the spontaneous CSF leaks, both pneumonitis symptoms and ground-glass opacities on imaging resolved in all six cases. Skull base CSF fistulae should be considered as a reversible cause of chronic pneumonitis that is not alleviated or worsens with standard treatment. 4 Laryngoscope, 131:462-466, 2021.