Combined Transcranial-endonasal Reconstructive Surgery for Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage Resulting from Traumatic Anterior Skull Base Fractures Involving the Parasellar Region

Extensive traumatic anterior skull base fractures from the frontal sinus to the parasellar region are frequently accompanied by multiple dural defects that cause persistent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Conventional transcranial reconstruction using a frontal periosteal flap is frequently insufficient, and parasellar dural defects are often deep, complex, and difficult to identify. In this report, we describe a combined transcranial–endonasal reconstructive technique and report our experience. Simultaneous combined transcranial and endoscopic surgery was performed in three patients with CSF leakage resulting from traumatic anterior skull base fractures. Dural defects were thoroughly identified from the transcranial and endonasal surgical fields, and covered using a multilayer sealing technique. The anterior regions of the anterior skull base were reconstructed using a free fascial flap and frontal periosteal flap; posterior and parasellar regions were reconstructed using a fat graft, vascularized nasoseptal flap, and endonasal balloon. Suturing the transcranial grafts to the parasellar dura mater was performed collaboratively by the transcranial and endonasal surgeons. In our cases, complete cessation of CSF leakage was achieved without perioperative lumbar drainage in all patients. Mean time to postoperative ambulation was 7 days (range, 3–11). No surgical complications occurred. Simultaneous transcranial and endonasal procedures were helpful to detect all sites of CSF leakage and secure reconstructive grafts. The combined transcranial and endonasal reconstructive technique achieved secure skull base reconstruction without recurrence of CSF leakage, and allowed early postoperative ambulation. This technique can be a reliable surgical option to repair CSF leakage resulting from extensive anterior skull base fractures.     

How to Choose? Endoscopic Skull Base Reconstructive Options and Limitations

As endoscopic skull base resections have advanced, appropriate reconstruction has become paramount. The reconstructive options for the skull base include both avascular and vascular grafts. We review these and provide an algorithm for endoscopic skull base reconstruction. One hundred and sixty-six skull base dural defects, reconstructed with an endonasal vascular flap, were examined. As an adjunct, avascular reconstruction techniques are discussed to illustrate all options for endonasal skull base reconstruction. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak rates are also discussed. Small CSF leaks may be successfully repaired with various avascular grafting techniques. Endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs) to the skull base often have larger dural defects with high-flow CSF leaks. Success rates for some EEA procedures utilizing avascular grafts approach 90%, yet in high-flow leak situations, success rates are much lower (50 to 70%). Defect location and complexity guides vascularized flap choice. When nasoseptal flaps are unavailable, anterior/sellar defects are best managed with an endoscopically harvested pericranial flap, whereas clival/posterior defects may be reconstructed with an inferior turbinate or temporoparietal flap. An endonasal skull base reconstruction algorithm was constructed and points to increased use of various vascularized reconstructions for more complex skull base defects.     

Role of Bone Graft in Reconstruction of Skull Base Defect: Is a Bone Graft Necessary

Ten patients underwent reconstruction of skull base defects between 1989 and 1992. In this series, the maximum size of the skull base defect was 6 × 5 cm. Three patients underwent bone grafts to reinforce the skull base. The postoperative course of seven patients without bone grafts was uneventful. There was no cerebrospinal fluid leakage, meningitis, extradural abscess, on brain herniation. On the other hand, two of the three patients with bone grafts developed extradural abseesses requiring the bone grafts to be removed. Although the number of patients in this series is not large, this study demonstrates that the use of bone grafts in reconstruction of skull base detects could be one of the factors in increasing the chances of infectious complications. We think that a bone graft is not necessary to reconstruct moderate-sized skull base defects.     

Endoscopic endonasal skull base reconstruction using a nasal septal flap: surgical results and comparison with previous reconstructions

The objective of this study is to evaluate the usefulness and reliability of endoscopic endonasal skull base reconstructions using a nasal septal flap. This study is designed as a retrospective review. Between April 2005 and November 2009, we performed 32 endoscopic endonasal skull base reconstructions for closure of large dural defects. Eleven patients underwent reconstructions using fat grafts or the fascia lata (non-flap group). Twenty one patients underwent reconstructions using a nasal septal flap with a balloon catheter (flap group). Incidence of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and perioperative insertion rate of external lumbar drain (ELD) were compared between the two groups. Postoperative CSF leaks occurred in two patients (9.5%) in the flap group. Three patients (27.3%) presented CSF leaks in the non-flap group. The rate of insertion of ELD was 81.8% in the non-flap group. In the flap group, one patient (4.8%) should be placed with ELD postoperatively. The incidence of postoperative CSF leaks in the flap group was lower than in the non-flap group, whereas the rate of insertion of ELD in the non-flap group was higher than in the flap group. Endoscopic endonasal skull base reconstruction using a nasal septal flap without ELD seems to be useful and reliable for ventral skull base defects after endoscopic endonasal approaches as compared with our previous single-layer reconstructions using free fat grafts or fascia lata. The long-term effectiveness of nasal septal flaps to prevent intracranial complications should be confirmed.     

Long-Term Outcome of Endonasal Endoscopic Skull Base Reconstruction with Nasal Turbinate Graft

Objective: To study the long-term outcome of endonasal endoscopic skull base reconstruction with nasal turbinate tissue free graft. Patients and Methods: This study included 55 consecutive patients who underwent endonasal endoscopic skull base reconstruction with nasal turbinate graft and were available for follow-up. They were 30 patients with pituitary adenomas, 20 with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea of different etiologies, three with meningoencephalocele, and two with skull base meningiomas. Autologous nasal turbinate tissue materials were used in reconstructing the skull base defect. Clinical follow-up with endoscopic nasal examination was done routinely 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed when indicated. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 8 years. Results: There were no major operative or postoperative complications. Nasal turbinate graft was effective in sealing of intraoperative CSF leak, obliteration of dead space, and anatomic reconstruction of the skull base. There was no evidence of graft migration or inflammatory changes. Starting from 3 months after surgery to the rest of the follow-up period, endonasal endoscopic view of the site of duraplasty showed that: with small skull base defect (less than 5 mm), there was neither dural pulsation nor prolapse; with moderate-sized defect (5 to 10 mm), there was dural pulsation without prolapse; with larger defect (>10 mm), there was dural pulsation and prolapse. These finding were constant regardless of the etiology of the lesion and the reconstruction material used. Conclusions: This long-term study demonstrated the efficacy of nasal turbinate graft in sealing of CSF leak without any delayed complications. Other rigid materials may be considered in reconstruction of large skull base defect (more than 10 mm) to prevent dural prolapse and herniation. For any future endonasal procedure for those patients, who had previous endonasal endoscopic duraplasty, the surgeons should be fully aware of the state of duraplasty (e.g., dural prolapse) to avoid any intraoperative complication (e.g., penetration of the prolapsed dura during nasal packing).     

A Reconstruction Method Using Musculopericranial Flaps that Prevents Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea and Intracranial Complications after Extended Anterior Skull Base Resection

Anterior skull base defects after extended anterior skull base resection including unilateral orbit and the dura were reconstructed using the temporal musculopericranial (TMP) flaps or frontal musculopericranial (FMP) flap in 14 patients. Dural defect was reconstructed with the TMP or FMP flap by making it overlap on the remaining dura around the defects. These flaps were also used, in principle, for the separation of the nasal cavity. For bone defects on the anterior skull base, a bone graft was transplanted in the place between the flap for dural reconstruction and the flap for the separation of the nasal cavity. Bone grafting was nor performed in patients who had an extensive defect and for whom a free flap was used for the separation. After surgery, CSF rhinorrhea did not occur in the 14 patients. Twelve patients did not develop any postoperative complications. Two patients had epidural abscess, but with debridement and the drainage to the nasal cavity, they did not develop severe intracranial complications. We conclude that reconstruction using musculopericranial flaps is a reliable and versatile method with minimum invasion and the shortest operation hours. In particular, musculopericranial flap for dura reconstruction was highly efficacious for the prevention of CSF rhinorrhea.     

A Reconstruction Method Using Musculopericranial Flaps that Prevents Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea and Intracranial Complications after Extended Anterior Skull Base Resection

Anterior skull base defects after extended anterior skull base resection including unilateral orbit and the dura were reconstructed using the temporal musculopericranial (TMP) flaps or frontal musculopericranial (FMP) flap in 14 patients. Dural defect was reconstructed with the TMP or FMP flap by making it overlap on the remaining dura around the defects. These flaps were also used, in principle, for the separation of the nasal cavity. For bone defects on the anterior skull base, a bone graft was transplanted in the place between the flap for dural reconstruction and the flap for the separation of the nasal cavity. Bone grafting was nor performed in patients who had an extensive defect and for whom a free flap was used for the separation. After surgery, CSF rhinorrhea did not occur in the 14 patients. Twelve patients did not develop any postoperative complications. Two patients had epidural abscess, but with debridement and the drainage to the nasal cavity, they did not develop severe intracranial complications. We conclude that reconstruction using musculopericranial flaps is a reliable and versatile method with minimum invasion and the shortest operation hours. In particular, musculopericranial flap for dura reconstruction was highly efficacious for the prevention of CSF rhinorrhea.     

Role of bone graft in reconstruction of skull base defect: is a bone graft necessary

Ten patients underwent reconstruction of skull base defects between 1989 and 1992. In this series, the maximum size of the skull base defect was 6 x 5 cm. Three patients underwent bone grafts to reinforce the skull base. The postoperative course of seven patients without bone grafts was uneventful. There was no cerebrospinal fluid leakage, meningitis, extradural abscess, on brain herniation. On the other hand, two of the three patients with bone grafts developed extradural abseesses requiring the bone grafts to be removed. Although the number of patients in this series is not large, this study demonstrates that the use of bone grafts in reconstruction of skull base detects could be one of the factors in increasing the chances of infectious complications. We think that a bone graft is not necessary to reconstruct moderate-sized skull base defects.     

Endoscopic endonasal suturing of dural reconstruction grafts: a novel application of the U-Clip technology. Technical note

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage following endoscopic endonasal skull base resection can be a significant problem. A method for securing tissue grafts is needed. In this paper the authors used an endonasal suturing device to secure the graft reconstruction following endonasal tumor resection. The U-Clip anastomotic device (Medtronic), developed for cardiovascular anastomoses, was used to secure the tissue graft to native dura. A specialized needle driver and hemoclip applier were used for the application and deployment of this device. No suture tying was necessary, facilitating its endonasal application. The graft was successfully secured in its desired position to native dura by using the U-Clip anastomotic device. The patient did not suffer a postoperative CSF leak, and postoperative imaging and endoscopy revealed that the graft was in a good position. There was no complication from the use of the device. The U-Clip anastomotic device can be used as a suture device during endonasal surgery. It may prevent tissue graft migration and help prevent CSF leakage.     

Endoscopic Endonasal Repair of Congenital Defects of the Anterior Skull Base: Developmental Considerations and Surgical Outcomes

Techniques of endoscopic endonasal surgery, initially developed primarily for intracranial neoplasms, have been adapted to treat a wide variety of pathologies previously addressed with open craniotomy including congenital and acquired defects of the anterior skull base. Congenital defects can lead to herniation of leptomeninges containing cerebrospinal fluid alone or with brain tissue. Specific types of encephalocele can be defined on the basis of the associated abnormal bony anatomy. Endoscopic endonasal surgery represents a relatively recent development in the treatment of these entities. Technical considerations include relatively younger age range of the patient population, dimensions of preexisting bony defect, volume of herniated meninges and brain tissue, and distorted anatomy from abnormal development of the affected craniofacial skeleton. Recent highly detailed anatomical studies have quantitatively verified the utility of endoscopic endonasal surgery in the pediatric population. Particular attention has been directed toward adequacy of nasoseptal flap reconstruction in pediatric patients. Several reports have described patients with encephalocele of the anterior cranial fossa successfully treated with endoscopic surgery. The literature on endoscopic repair of congenital encephalocele is reviewed. Outcomes have generally been reported as favorable, although long-term follow-up and systematic studies have not been pursued.     

Osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap for anterior cranial base reconstruction: Technical note

The reconstruction of anterior skull base defects after carcinologic surgery is challenging. Large defects can require the use of autologous free tissue transfer. Currently, most reconstructions use soft-tissue flaps. We describe the use of an osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap to reconstruct a large defect secondary to a malignant paraganglioma extending into the anterior cranial fossa and both orbits. The surgical resection required endonasal and transcranial approaches. We reconstructed the defect with a free osteocutaneous radial forearm flap. We laid the bone flap across the defect, resting on the orbital roof on each side, and sutured the soft component to the edge of the dura. The pedicle was funnelled from the craniotomy to a prepared cervicotomy and the micro-anastomoses were performed onto the facial artery and two satellite veins. Potential indications and major drawbacks of this technique are briefly discussed. Osteocutaneous radial forearm free flaps can be a valuable reconstructive option for patients with a large defect of the anterior skull base, needing both rigid support and a watertight closure.     

Primary closure of a cerebrospinal fluid fistula by nonpenetrating titanium clips in endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery: technical note

Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is one of the most common and aggravating complications in transsphenoidal surgery. Although primary closure of the fistula would be the most desirable solution for an intraoperatively encountered CSF leak, it is difficult to achieve in such a deep and narrow operative field. In this article, the authors report endonasal endoscopic applications of no-penetrating titanium clips to repair a CSF fistula following tumor removal. The AnastoClip Vessel Closure System (VCS; LeMaitre Vascular, Boston, MA) was used for closure of a CSF fistula in endonasal transsphenoidal surgery. In all four patients, CSF leakage was successfully obliterated primarily with two to five clips. There was no postoperative CSF rhinorrhea or complications related to the use of the VCS. Metal artifact by the clips on postoperative images was tolerable. Primary closure of the fistula using the VCS was an effective strategy to prevent postoperative CSF leakage in transsphenoidal surgery. Future application can be expanded to reconstruction of the skull base dura via endonasal skull base approaches.     

Banked Fascia Lata in Sellar Dura Reconstruction after Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Skull Base Surgery

Objectives Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is an undesirable complication of transsphenoidal skull base surgery. The issue of the most appropriate sellar dura repair remains unresolved, although a multilayer technique using autologous fascia lata is widely used. We describe the novel application of a homologous banked fascia lata graft as an alternative to an autologous one in the reconstruction of sellar dura defects in endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. Design The clinical records of patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery at our department from June 2012, when we started using homologous fascia lata, up to July 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. The data concerning diagnosis, reconstruction technique, and surgical outcome were analyzed. Results We treated 16 patients successfully with banked fascia lata. Twelve patients presented intraoperative CSF leakage, and four patients were treated for postoperative rhinoliquorrhea. Banked fascia lata was used in a single-to-multilayer technique, depending on the anatomical features of the defect and of the sellar floor. No complications or failures in sella reconstruction occurred. Conclusion A banked fascia lata graft proved reliable and safe in providing an effective sellar dura reconstruction. Used in a multilayer strategy, it should be considered a viable alternative to an autologous fascia lata graft.     

Injectable hydroxyapatite cement patch as an on-lay graft for the sellar reconstructions following endoscopic endonasal approach

Background  

Skull base reconstruction after endoscopic endonasal resection of a variety of skull base lesions remains challenging because of some lethal complications such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. We investigated the outcomes of hydroxyapatite (HA) cement patch as on-lay graft for skull base defects following endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA).     

Use of Titanium Mesh for Middle Cranial Fossa Skull Base Reconstruction

Objectives Temporal bone encephaloceles are usually encountered in the setting of a congenital defect of the tegmen or as an acquired defect after mastoid surgery. A variety of methods have been described in the literature for rigid reconstruction of tegmen defects. We introduce a new method of repair using orbital floor titanium mesh reconstruction plates to reconstruct the floor of the middle cranial fossa, and evaluate the outcomes, complications, and recurrence rates of temporal bone encephaloceles with this technique. Design Retrospective chart review of consecutively treated patients. Setting Tertiary care academic center. Participants Eight patients with middle cranial fossa skull base defects from January 2007 to February 2011. Main Outcome Measures Outcome measures included resolution of cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF) and development of postoperative infection. Results One of nine patients had a postoperative CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) leak. There were no long-term complications of CSF leak or infection. Conclusions Titanium mesh is a safe and effective substitute for bone grafts in reconstruction of the middle cranial fossa skull base when rigid reconstruction is required.     

Free Latissimus Dorsi Flap for Reconstruction of the Anterior Base of the Skull

Defects resulting after resection of malignant tumors of the paranasal sinuses involving the anterior base of the skull need an adequate closure. In addition to such avital tissue as fascia lata, fat, or ceramics, in recent years we used free muscle flaps from the latissimus dorsi for reconstruction. We performed this reconstructive method in seven patients after radical tumor ##. The operation was performed in cooperation with the neurosurgeon. In three cases a transfrontal in combination with a transfacial approach was used and in four cases only a transfacial approach was chosen. The flap was tailored as a pure muscle transplant if only the base of the skull had to be repaired and the surgical cavity had to be obhiterated. In three cases a skin paddle was left on the muscle to perform a closure of the orbit and the hard palate. In four patients we performed primary reconstruction, in three cases secondary reconstruction, which was necessary because cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage occurred after primary reconstruction with avital tissue in addition to insufficient pericranial flap. None of the patients with primary reconstruction developed CSF leakage. There was no free flap failure. The aim of this reconstruction is a safe closure of skull base defects to prevent infection, meningitis, brain abscess, and brain herniation.     

Management of Inflammatory Complications of Skull Base Surgery

Because the contents of the intracranial cavity are exposed to the upper airway, inflammatory complications are the most frequent in skull base surgery. If dura has to be resected and reconstructed with a graft, the risk of inflammatory complications increases. An evaluation of 93 patients with skull base tumors who were operated on at the University of California, Davis Medical Center between July 1982 and March 1992 and had resection and reconstruction of dura is presented. Inflammatory complications developed in 33 (35%) patients. Local wound infection, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and meningitis are by far the most frequent complications. Patients with middle and combined fossae approaches have the highest incidence. Cause, treatment, and prophylaxis of inflammatory complications are discussed.     

Microvascular reconstruction of the skull base: a clinical approach to surgical defect classification and flap selection.

Skull-base tumor resection and reconstruction produce a major physiologic and anatomic impact on the patient. At our institution, the use of vascularized, free-tissue transfer has replaced pedicled flaps as the preferred modality for reconstructing complex cranial base defects involving resection of dura, brain, or multiple major structures adjacent to skull base, including the orbit, palate, mandible, skin, and other structures. The goals of reconstruction are to: (1) support the brain and orbit; (2) separate the CNS from the aerodigestive tract; (3) provide lining for the nasal cavity; (4) re-establish the nasal and oropharyngeal cavities; (5) provide volume to decrease dead space; and (6) restore the three-dimensional appearance of the face and head with bone and soft tissues. Surgical management requires a multidisciplinary effort with collaborating neurosurgical, head and neck, and plastic surgical teams. Successful reconstruction of skull base defects is predicated upon a careful appreciation of the specific region. Defects may be classified based on their anatomic location and loss of volume, support, and skin cover. Free flaps provide reliable, well-vascularized soft tissue to seal the dura, obliterate dead space, cover exposed cranial bone, and provide cutaneous coverage for skin or mucosa.     

Endoscopic repair of large skull base defects after powered sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the management of patients with large skull base defects (> 2 cm) and intracranial injury caused by powered endoscopic sinus surgery.Study design and setting All patients treated for postendoscopic sinus surgery skull base injury over a 4-year period were reviewed. RESULTS: Three patients with skull base defects greater than 2 cm in size and associated intracranial injury from powered ESS were identified. All patients presented with active cerebrospinal fluid leaks. CT scans showed intracranial injury and pathology reports revealed brain tissue removal. Using image-guided endoscopic techniques, all defects were addressed with multilayer repair. Closure was achieved in all patients on the first attempt, with an average follow-up of 27 months. CONCLUSIONS: The use of powered instrumentation along the skull base can be dangerous and can result in extensive skull base defects with associated loss of dura and gray matter. Large ethmoid roof defects and significant intracranial injury, however, are not absolute contraindications to endoscopic repair.     

One-Piece Modified Gasket Seal Technique

Objectives Review the effectiveness of a modified gasket seal technique utilizing a porous high-density polyethylene plate/rectus sheath fascia construct without fat grafting for primary closure of anterior defects following endoscopic skull base surgery.Design Retrospective review (2011-2012).Setting Single academic medical center.Methods A retrospective review of five patients who underwent expanded endoscopic endonasal surgery for various pathologies (two craniopharyngiomas, two tuberculum meningiomas, and one planum meningioma) was performed. Skull base closure was performed using a one-piece modified gasket seal technique. Primary outcome measures included postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and donor site morbidity.Results There were no postoperative CSF leaks. Two patients experienced aseptic meningitis treated with a 14-day course of steroids. Two patients experienced new postoperative chronic/recurrent sinusitis treated with oral antibiotics and topical nasal therapy. There was no donor site morbidity such as infection, hematoma, or hernias.Conclusions The one-piece modified gasket-seal closure is a safe and effective method for reconstruction of endonasal defects of the anterior skull base. Rectus sheath fascia is an appropriate dural substitute for free tissue grafting with low donor site morbidity. The construction of the one-piece graft significantly decreases operative time and lowers the learning curve for multilayered closure.