Nasoseptal Flap Research Articles

Prospective characterization of postoperative nasal deformities in patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal skull-base surgery.

Surgeons have become increasingly aware of the impact of endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) of the skull base on sinonasal-related quality of life. Prior retrospective investigation described a correlation between nasoseptal flap (NSF) reconstruction in EES with postoperative nasal deformities, such as nasal dorsum collapse. The primary objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the incidence of, and contributing factors to, postoperative changes in nasal structure following EES. Secondary goals included assessing subjective changes in nasal appearance as well as objective nasal analysis. Clinical demographics and detailed perioperative information was prospectively collected for patients undergoing transsellar/suprasellar EES for skull-base tumors. Preoperatively, 1-month and 6-month photographs were completed for objective photographic nasal analysis and blinded assessment by surgeons. Subjective patient feedback was also solicited. Overall, 14.7% (5/34) of patients subjectively reported postoperative nasal deformities, whereas both blinded-surgeon and objective nasal measurements identified deformities in 12.9% (4/31) of patients. Patients with postoperative deformities were more likely to have skull-base reconstruction with an NSF (p = 0.01) and trended toward an increased incidence in patients with nonpituitary neoplasms (p = 0.07). There were no other associations between clinical or operative characteristics and external deformities. No patients planned to undergo corrective repair. External nasal deformities following EES are more frequent than previously acknowledged. Postoperative deformities appear to be associated with NSF reconstruction and may be associated with surgery for nonpituitary neoplasms. Patients should be counseled on this potential outcome, and future studies should investigate how to minimize postoperative sequela.

Anatomo-radiological study supporting the use of ipsilateral nasoseptal flap for the transpterygoid management of temporo-sphenoidal meningoceles. A review of 21 cases

ObjectivesSurgical treatment of temporo-sphenoidal meningoceles involves the reduction of the meningocele, watertight closure and defect coverage with a nasoseptal flap (NSF). It can be performed contralaterally or ipsilaterally: in the latter situation, the pedicle of the flap must be dissected into the pterygopalatine fossa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefit of using an ipsilateral NSF in transpterygoid approaches for the management of temporo-sphenoidal meningoceles, compared to a contralateral NSF, based on a radiological study. Material and methodsRetrospective monocentric study of 21 cases, between 2002 and 2018. Measurement of the NSF lengths, and lengths needed to cover the defect were evaluated on the preoperative scanner. Early and later failure and complication rates were evaluated. ResultsSeventeen cases of temporo-sphenoidal meningoceles with available CT scan were identified. The mean duration of follow up was 27.9 months [1–147]. Theoretical lengths of the ipsi and contralateral NSF were comparable: 71.4±7.8mm vs. 78.8±8mm, P=0.729. In 8 cases/18 (42%), the theoretical length of the contralateral NSF was not long enough to cover the defect beyond the V2 (mean lack of 8.87±6.6mm). In all cases, the theoretical length of the ipsilateral NSF was sufficient to cover the defect. In the case series, failure and complication rates were similar. ConclusionThe use of an ipsilateral NSF for the transpterygoid management of temporo-sphenoidal meningoceles, although more complex, allows a better coverage of the defect, compared to the contralateral NSF, which is not long enough in 42% of cases.

Endoscopic transnasal resection of tuberculum sellae meningioma - case report

Introduction: Tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSM) represent 5-10% of all intracranial meningiomas. Tumours are located on tuberculum sellae or chiasmatic sulcus of the sphenoid bone. These suprasellar lesions often displace the optic nerves causing visual impairment that is commonly the presenting symptom. Tuberculum sellae meningiomas are traditionally operated by transcranial approach. There is an alternative method to remove tumours of anterior skull base by using endoscopic transnasal surgery. Methods: In this article we describe a case of the patient with tuberculum sellae meningioma. Results: 63-year old women was diagnosed due to a headache, facial sensation defects on the right and peripheral vision loss. Ophthalmology examination showed bitemporal vision loss up to 10-15%. Using magnetic resonance imaging scan the tumour of diameter 8.1x8.0mm was located in tuberculum sellae. The endoscopic transsphenoidal operation was made confirming diagnosis of meningioma. In postoperative period the symptoms was almost completely minimalized. Conclusion: The treatment of choice for tuberculum sellae meningiomas is a surgery. Neurosurgeons have two options to remove the tumour: by transcranial approaches or via endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery with rhinologist. The decision of the optimal surgical technique should be individually made. Knowing possible complications during endoscopic approach, the benefits prevail. Cerebrospinal fluid leak is still challenging but using nasoseptal flap (Hadad’s flap) makes reconstruction easier. Recovery is quicker and postoperative results are promising.

Composite Nasoseptal Flap for Palate Reconstruction.

Palatal fistulae represent a pathological connection from the oral cavity through the hard or soft palate to the nasal cavity and can present a significant reconstructive dilemma. Surgical correction of palatal fistulae is often limited by prior treatment, including ablative procedures and radiotherapy, or previous reconstructive attempts. In light of these challenges, the nasoseptal flap represents an excellent adjacent source of vascularized tissue which may be suitable for palatal fistula repair with minimal donor site morbidity, low associated risks, and a short recovery period. The purpose of this study was to fully understand the potential utility of this reconstructive option, including the ability to harvest a composite flap including both septal cartilage and contralateral mucoperichondrium. In this single institution prospective study consisting of a series of 5 cadaver dissections, primary outcome measures were the anterior reach of the flap as compared to the anterior nasal spine and the size of the palatal defect that the nasoseptal flap could be used to successfully reconstruct. Composite flaps were successfully harvested in continuity with a disc of septal cartilage and contralateral mucoperichondrium, providing structural integrity to the reconstruction and the ability to anchor the flap to the native hard palate mucosa. The nasoseptal flap's maximum anterior reach was within 2.0 cm (standard deviation of 0.1 cm) from the anterior nasal spine and could reliably reconstruct palate defects of 2.5 cm or less. The nasoseptal flap provides a viable regional option for reconstructing defects of the hard palate. Prospective clinical trials are needed to investigate long-term reconstructive and functional outcomes of the composite nasoseptal flap in palatal reconstruction.

Difference in the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and residual tumors between functional and nonfunctional pituitary adenomas treated by endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary adenomectomy.

ObjectiveThis study compared the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and residual tumors between functional and nonfunctional pituitary adenomas treated with the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETA).MethodsAll patients underwent endocrine examinations and brain magnetic resonance imaging before and after surgery. The length of admission, incidence of central diabetes insipidus, incidence of CSF leakage, symptom relief, and presence of residual tumors were compared between patients with functional and nonfunctional pituitary adenomas.ResultsThirty-eight patients were enrolled, among whom 12 and 26 had functional and nonfunctional pituitary adenomas, respectively. The incidence of CSF leakage was significantly higher in patients with nonfunctional adenomas; a hard or elastic tumor character accounted for the difference. A large tumor size and cavernous sinus invasion were risk factors for residual tumors. No significant differences were found in sex, length of admission, operative times, incidence of diabetes insipidus, or number of residual tumors between the two groups. The hormone levels were lower postoperatively than preoperatively in patients with nonfunctional adenomas.ConclusionNonfunctional pituitary macroadenomas resulted in more CSF leakage. Use of the rescue nasoseptal flap reduced unnecessary nasal destruction. Cooperation between a neurosurgeon and otolaryngologist was safer and more effective when using the EETA.

Sellar Defect Reconstruction with Vascularized Superior Turbinate Mucosal Flaps in Endonasal Endoscopic Transsellar Approach

The pedicled nasoseptal flap (NSF) constitutes the primary reconstructive option for most skull base defects in endonasal endoscopic approaches. The superior nasal turbinate (ST) has received little attention. We report our preliminary experience with the use of the ST mucosal flap in selected cases. We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent endonasal endoscopic approaches and identified 9 patients who were reconstructed with vascularized ST mucosal flaps as part of a double-layer or triple-layer reconstruction. When there was no intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, we used a double-layer technique. If there was an intraoperative CSF leak, regardless of the quality of leakage, we preferred a triple-layer repair technique. In patients with high-flow leaks, triple-layer repair was performed using only autologous tissue grafts and flaps. Intraoperative CSF leaks were noted in 7 of 9 patients. Among them, 4 patients had low-flow CSF leaks (grade 1 and 2) and 3 patients had high-flow CSF leaks (grade 3). All reconstructions had complete defect coverage with the ST flaps and NSFs were preserved. All the flaps were viable at 4 weeks without a CSF leak or complication at the reconstruction site. There was no contraction or partial loss of the flap. After a mean follow-up period of 9 months, none of the patients required a flap revision, developed a mucocele, infection, or other complication. An ST flap can be used for the vascularized reconstruction of sellar defects if it is bilaterally available. This option should not be overlooked and wasted.

Two Cases of Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Stricture Treated with Nasoseptal Flap

The treatment of total or near-total nasopharyngeal stenosis is challenging because of frequent restenosis. Many treatment strategies including scar release with CO2 laser, mitomycin C application, balloon dilatation or nasopharyngeal stent had been proposed to reduce the restenosis of nasopharynx. But nasopharyngeal patency often fail even after multiple surgical trials. We report two successful cases of nasopharyngeal reconstruction with resurfacing by nasoseptal flap for patients with restenosis history. Key words: Nasal septum ㆍ Nasopharyngeal disease ㆍ Surgical flaps

Endoscopic reconstruction of large anterior skull base defects with opening of the sellar diaphragm. Experience at a tertiary level university hospital.

The indications for expanded endoscopic transnasal approaches continue to increase, with more complex skull base defects needing to be repaired. This study reviews the management of large anterior skull base defects with opening of the sellar diaphragm. A prospective analysis of endonasal endoscopic surgery carried out at Son Espases University Hospital between January 2013 and December 2018 was performed. The analysis included only the cases with a significative intra-operative cerebrospinal fluid leak. In all cases, reconstruction was performed by combining the gasket seal technique with a pedicled mucosal endonasal flap. Twenty-eight patients were included. The mucoperiosteal nasoseptal flap, the lateral wall flap and the middle turbinate flap were used in 13, 8 and 7 patients, respectively, combined with the gasket seal technique. One case of post-operative cerebrospinal fluid leak was observed (3.57 per cent). The combination of a gasket seal with an endonasal mucosal flap is an excellent technique for repairing large anterior skull base defects.

Infectious Complications of Expanded Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis of 100 Cases.

Objective To identify perioperative factors that may predict postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and meningitis following expanded endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (EETS). Study Design This is a retrospective study. This study was set at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles. A total of 78 patients who underwent EETS between January 2007 and November 2018 were participated. The main outcome measures were CSF leak and meningitis. Results A total of 78 patients underwent a total of 100 EETS procedures; 17.9 and 10.3% of patients developed postoperative CSF leaks and meningitis, respectively. Out of eight, three patients with meningitis did not develop an observable CSF leak. The risk of developing meningitis in patients with a CSF leak was significantly higher than those without a leak, with an odds ratio (OR) of 11.48 (95% confidence interval, 2.33-56.47; p = 0.004). Pituicytomas were significantly associated with meningitis compared with other pathologies. No other patient-specific factors were identified as risks for leak or meningitis, including method of skull base repair, sex, tumor volume, or body mass index, although there was a strong trend toward reduced CSF leak rates in patient with nasoseptal flaps used for skull base repair, compared with those without (9.5 vs. 25%). CSF protein was consistently elevated on the first CSF values obtained when meningitis was suspected. Conclusion CSF leak and meningitis are common complications of expanded endonasal surgery No statistically significant risk factors for developing a postoperative leak other than the pathology of pituicytoma were identified, including method of skull base repair, although the use of a vascularized nasoseptal flap did trend toward a reduced CSF leak rate. CSF protein is the most sensitive marker for the presumptive diagnosis and timely treatment of meningitis.

Stepwise Algorithm for Skull Base Reconstruction in Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery: From the Simple to the Complex

Abstract INTRODUCTION The most frequent complication of endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) is postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. This study was designed to develop a step-wise algorithm for EES reconstruction across the spectrum of skull base defects: from free mucosal graft for uncomplicated pituitary adenomas to free flaps in complex cases with recurrent leaks. METHODS All patients with skull base pathologies who underwent EES between January 2017 and December 2018 were included and retrospectively analyzed. Tumor location, reconstruction method and postoperative CSF leak were reviewed and a step-wise algorithm based on size and location of defect was developed. RESULTS Location of skull base defects was categorized as follows: anterior fossa, suprasellar, sellar and posterior fossa. For all nonsellar sites, we performed a multilayer (collagen matrix + /- fascia lata + /− fat graft + vascularized flap) reconstruction. The nasoseptal flap (NSF) was the first choice for vascularized reconstruction when available. For all sellar lesions we employed a free mucosal graft unless a high-flow CSF leak was present, in which case a single-layer reconstruction with NSF was performed. When the NSF was not available, alternative local (lateral nasal wall flap) and regional (extracranial pericranial flap) pedicled flaps were successful choices. When patients failed multiple attempts at repair, regional or microvascular free flaps were options. Lumbar spinal drainage was employed for large anterior and posterior fossa defects and during secondary repair of postoperative CSF leaks. Of 347 patients, 4.6% had a postoperative CSF leak. Of 158 patients with an intraoperative leak (45.5%), 10.1% developed a postoperative CSF leak: 7.8% for sellar/suprasellar defects and 13% for anterior/posterior fossa defects. CONCLUSION This algorithm provides a standardized, stepwise approach to the reconstruction of all skull base defects after EES based on location.

Adherus Dural Sealant in Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery: Safety, Imaging Characteristics, and Sinonasal Quality of Life

Objective This study was aimed to compare the safety profiles, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and sinonasal outcome test (SNOT-22) scores of Adherus dural sealant, a novel tissue glue designed for skull base surgery. Design Present study is a prospective case series. Setting The research work took place at a tertiary-care academic medical center. Participants Consecutive series of 26 patients undergoing endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS) with Adherus was compared with a control group of 24 patients matched for tumor type and size with DuraSeal as a sealant. Main Outcome Measures Postoperative complication rates, imaging characteristics, and postoperative SNOT-22 scores were measured and compared. Results No postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, intracranial hemorrhages, or mucoceles were observed in either cohort. Adherus was more likely to be identifiable on immediate postoperative MRI (50 vs. 20.8%, p = 0.032). In patients in whom a nasoseptal flap was utilized, the flap was opposed to the skull base in all cases regardless of sealant selected. Postoperative SNOT-22 total (17.25 [±10.81] vs. 14.85 [±14.22], p = 0.609) and subdomain scores were similar between the two groups. Conclusions Adherus dural sealant appears to be a safe alternative to Duraseal in ESBS with comparable quality of life outcomes and imaging findings. These preliminary results are promising but should be examined in a larger population with long-term follow-up.

Endoscopic Endonasal Reconstruction of High-Flow Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak with Fascia Lata "Button" Graft and Nasoseptal Flap: Surgical Technique and Case Series.

Background The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has become increasingly used for resection of skull base tumors in the sellar and suprasellar regions. A nasoseptal flap (NSF) is routinely used for anterior skull base reconstruction; however, there are numerous additional allografts and autografts being used in conjunction with the NSF. The role of perioperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion is also unclear. Objective This study was aimed to analyze success of high-flow CSF leak repair during EEA procedures without use of CSF diversion through lumbar drainage. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients who had intraoperative high-flow CSF leak during EEA procedures at our institution between January 2013 and December 2017 was performed. CSF leaks were repaired with use of a fascia lata button graft and nasoseptal flap, without use of perioperative lumbar drains. Results A total of 38 patients were identified (10 male, 28 female). Patient BMIs ranged from 19.7 to 49 kg/m 2 (median = 31 kg/m 2 ), with 18 patients meeting criteria for obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m 2 ) and 12 patients overweight (25 kg/m 2 < BMI < 29.9 kg/m 2 ). There was no incidence of postoperative CSF leak. Conclusion In our experience, the nasoseptal flap used in conjunction with the fascia lata button graft is a safe, effective and robust combination for cranial base reconstruction with high-flow intraoperative CSF leaks, without need for lumbar drains.

Sphenoid Mucocele: A Complication of Skull Base Reconstruction with Nasoseptal Flap-A Critical Review and Our Experience.

The evolution of expanded endoscopic skull base surgery has enabled development of minimally invasive approaches for resection of large skull base tumors with the nasoseptal flap proving to be an indispensable tool in skull base reconstruction. We here present our experience of sphenoid mucocele development after skull base reconstruction with the nasoseptal flap along with a comprehensive review of the limited literature on the same. With the expanding scope of endoscopic skull base surgery, the nasoseptal flap is increasingly being used for reconstruction. Despite adherence to standard recommendations and use of meticulous technique during flap placement, the potential risk of mucocele formation under the flap should always be borne in mind. In our experience, displacement of the flap pedicle could lead to ostial obstruction and mucocele formation. Hence, in addition to meticulous technique, a close follow up of such patients via nasal endoscopy or imaging is important to further our knowledge and understanding of the long-term effects and complications of this flap.

Contrasting Surgical Management of CSF Leak from Lateral Recess of Sphenoid Sinus and Its Surgical Outcomes: Our Experience.

CSF leak from Lateral Recess of Sphenoid (LRS) sinus accounts for 35% of all CSF rhinorrhoea cases. There are various surgical techniques described for repair of LRS CSF leak. This study describes the experience of LRS leak repair in a tertiary care center with three different surgical techniques. Study comprises of 3 cases of LRS CSF leak that presented to J.S.S. Hospital, during the time period of July 2018-January 2019, who underwent endoscopic CSF leak repair. All three cases underwent endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach to the leak site. The closure technique opted for all three cases were different. For the first case free mucosal flap from ipsilateral middle turbinate was used, for the second ipsilateral nasoseptal flap (NSF) was used and contralateral NSF was used for the third. All the cases were followed up for a minimum of 3months. In all the 3 cases the CSF leak site was located in the lateral recess of Sphenoid sinus. Encephalocele was noted in two cases, which were cauterised and closure was done as planned. Crusting was more in cases that underwent closure using free mucosal flap. Healing and take up was similar for both the ipsilateral NSF and contralateral NSF. The endoscope has revolutionized the management of CSF leak from the lateral recess of sphenoid sinus. These defects can be managed efficiently using multilayer closure of defect. For large defects, the Posterior nasoseptal flaps can be used. In addition, contralateral PNSF has lower chances of being devascularized due to injury to pedicle while drilling the pterygoid plates.

Long-term olfactory function outcomes after pituitary surgery by endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach

ObjectivesTo evaluate long-term olfactory outcomes in patients who underwent pituitary surgery through the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETSA) by T&T olfactometer. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 26 patients who underwent pituitary surgery via EETSA. Olfactory function was assessed by T&T olfactometer before and 6 months after surgery. The mean of recognition thresholds for five different odorants was used. The change in the mean recognition threshold values was evaluated in the entire cohort and the subgroup analysis was performed according to the age, sex, past history of pituitary surgery (primary surgery or revision surgery), histopathology (non-functioning adenoma (NFA) or functioning adenoma (FA)), reconstruction procedure (rescue flap or nasoseptal flap), and superior turbinate management (preserved or resected). ResultsOf the 26 patients (12 men and 14 women, median age 53 years), 21 patients were newly diagnosed with pituitary gland tumor (16 NFAs, 5 FAs) and the remaining 5 were diagnosed with recurrent pituitary gland tumor (4 NFAs and 1 FA). In the whole cohort, the mean recognition threshold values of T&T olfactometer significantly improved after surgery (P=0.01). Thirteen out of 26 patients (50%) showed olfactory improvement, whereas only 3 (12%) showed deterioration. In the subgroup analysis, olfactory function outcomes were not significantly different between the subgroups with respect to the age, sex, past history of pituitary surgery, histopathology, reconstruction procedure, or superior turbinate management. The olfactory function tended to worsen in the revision surgery group compared to that in the primary surgery group, but not significantly (P=0.06). ConclusionsThe olfactory function was improved or maintained after pituitary surgery via EETSA in 88% of patients, indicating the benefits of low invasiveness of our surgical treatment. On the other hand, three patients (12%) demonstrated deterioration of olfactory function, suggesting that the risk of postoperative olfactory dysfunction should be informed to patients.

Analysis of Olfaction after Bilateral Nasoseptal Rescue Flap Transsphenoidal Approach with Olfactory Mucosal Preservation

To ascertain the impact of septal olfactory strip preservation and bilateral rescue flap elevation on the incidence of olfactory dysfunction. Case series with chart review of patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery (2012-2014). Providence Saint John's Health Center and John Wayne Cancer Institute. The incidences of postoperative epistaxis, hyposmia, and anosmia were analyzed using the Brief Smell Identification Test (B-SIT), which was completed in 110 of the 165 patients. Seventy-eight patients required extended approaches. Bilateral nasoseptal rescue flaps were elevated in 144 patients (87.3%) and pedicled nasoseptal or middle turbinate flaps in 21 patients (12.7%). The neurovascular pedicles were preserved in all patients, and there were no episodes of postoperative arterial epistaxis. Normal olfaction was noted in 95 patients (86%), with new hyposmia noted in 5 patients (5.5%). Within the rescue flap cohort, new hyposmia occurred in 6.3% (P < .01) of patients, balanced by improvement of olfaction in 43% of patients with preoperative dysfunction (overall pre- and postoperative olfactory function: 85% vs 86%). Patients with pedicled nasoseptal flaps did not have new hyposmia, with a net improvement of olfaction (71% vs 86%, P = .07). No patients experienced new anosmia. There was no difference between flap type within either subgroup. Superior olfactory strip preservation during elevation of reconstructive flaps preserves olfactory function and maintains adequate surgical exposure. In addition, rescue flaps have significantly diminished the rate of arterial postoperative epistaxis while maintaining the ability to harvest nasoseptal flaps for future reconstruction.

Transnasal endoscopic approach for pediatric skull base lesions: a case series.

Transnasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches constitute an essential technique for the resection of skull base tumors in adults. However, in the pediatric population, sellar and suprasellar lesions have historically been treated by craniotomy. Transnasal endoscopic approaches are less invasive and thus may be preferable to craniotomy, especially in children. In this case series, the authors present their institutional experience with transnasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches for pediatric skull base tumors. The authors retrospectively reviewed pediatric patients (age ≤ 18 years) who had undergone transnasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches for either biopsy or resection of sellar or suprasellar lesions between 2007 and 2016. All operations were performed jointly by a team of pediatric neurosurgeons and skull base otolaryngologists, except for 8 cases performed by one neurosurgeon. The series included 42 patients between 4 and 18 years old (average 12.5 years) who underwent 51 operations. Headache (45%), visual symptoms (69%), and symptoms related to hormonal abnormalities (71%) were the predominant presenting symptoms. Improvement in preoperative symptoms was seen in 92% of cases. Most patients had craniopharyngiomas (n = 16), followed by pituitary adenomas (n = 12), Rathke cleft cysts (n = 4), germinomas (n = 4), chordomas (n = 2), and other lesion subtypes (n = 4). Lesions ranged from 0.3 to 6.2 cm (median 2.5 cm) in their greatest dimension. Gross-total resection was primarily performed (63% of cases), with 5 subsequent recurrences. Nasoseptal flaps were used in 47% of cases, fat grafts in 37%, and lumbar drains in 47%. CSF space was entered intraoperatively in 15 cases, and postoperative CSF was observed only in lesions with suprasellar extension. There were 8 cases of new hormonal deficits and 3 cases of new cranial nerve deficits. Length of hospital stay ranged from 1 to 61 days (median 5 days). Patients were clinically followed up for a median of 46 months (range 1-120 months), accompanied by a median radiological follow-up period of 45 months (range 3.8-120 months). Most patients (76%) were offered adjuvant therapy. In this single-institution report of the transnasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approach, the authors demonstrated that this technique is generally safe and effective for different types of pediatric skull base lesions. Favorable effects of surgery were sustained during a follow-up period of 4 years. Further refinement in technology will allow for more widespread use in the pediatric population.

Pedicled nasoseptal flap reconstruction for craniopharyngiomas in pediatric patients.

Though the use of the pedicled nasoseptal flap (NSF), a reconstructive technique used after endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEA) for resection of craniopharyngiomas, has been shown to reduce the occurrence of post-operative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks in adults, less is known about its use in pediatric populations, specifically in children under the age of 7. The goal of this retrospective cohort study is to determine the viability of the pedicled NSF for pediatric patients. Retrospective review of 12 pediatric patients (ages 2-16) undergoing 13 NSF reconstructions after resection of craniopharyngiomas. Radioanatomic analysis of computed tomography (CT) scans was utilized to classify the pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus depending on the thickness of the sphenoid bone margin. Intercarotid distances were measured from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to assess the feasibility of this reconstruction technique in pediatric patients. At the time of surgery, all patients were noted to have adequate NSF length and width. No post-operative high-flow CSF leaks were found within the group. Lack of pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus and narrow intercarotid distances in the youngest of patients did not lead to negative clinical outcomes. Based on our results and experience, the pedicled nasoseptal flap is a viable reconstructive option after EEA in the pediatric population, including even the youngest of patients. In these patients, a narrowed window between the intercarotid arteries and the lack of pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus present a challenge that can be overcome by using stereotactic navigation and advanced endoscopic techniques.

Reconstruction of TORS oropharyngectomy defects with the nasoseptal flap via transpalatal tunnel.

The nasoseptal flap (NSF) has been described as reconstructive option for soft palate defects following transoral robotic surgery (TORS). As described, this technique is does not provide adequate coverage of the lateral oropharyngeal wall, parapharyngeal space, exposed vessels, or exposed mandibular bone. The NSF for TORS reconstruction has been limited to soft palate reconstruction, given the limitations on length when passed via the nasopharynx. In this article, we describe (1) a novel technique for TORS reconstruction using direct transposition of the ipsilateral NSF into the oropharynx via a transpalatal tunnel at the hard-soft palate junction, and (2) its use in select patients.

Lateral nasal wall extension of the nasoseptal flap for skull-base and medial orbital wall defects.

Sinonasal and skull-base tumors that previously required open resection can often be completely resected via an endonasal approach. The nasoseptal flap (NSF) is the workhorse vascularized tissue flap for the endoscopic reconstruction of large skull-base defects from tumor resections. The objective of the current article is to describe a novel modification of the NSF for simultaneous reconstruction of skull-base and medial orbital wall defects. An extension of the standard NSF to include mucosa of the lateral nasal wall was developed for closure of simultaneous skull-base and medial orbital wall defects. Outcomes including successful cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak closure, orbital edema, and postoperative cosmesis are reported. Eyelid edema was characterized according to the Surgeon Periorbital Rating of Edema and Ecchymosis (SPREE) scale. Three patients underwent reconstruction using the modified NSF (average age 75 years). The average defect size of the skull base was 3.6 ± 0.1 cm by 2.3 ± 0.2 cm. The average defect size of the medial orbit was 2.7 ± 0.1 cm by 2.6 ± 0.1 cm. All defects were successfully covered intraoperatively using the lateral nasal wall extension of the NSF. Two patients developed mild eyelid edema, whereas 1 individual had no noticeable swelling (SPREE classification 2, 2, and 1). All patients were successfully sealed at last clinical follow up (average 28 weeks). The modification of the NSF described here provides excellent coverage for reconstruction of large anterior skull-base defects and simultaneous medial orbital wall defects.