Objective(s): Surgical resection of rhinopharyngeal and anterior skull base tumors
is complex, and the endoscopic endonasal approach is preferred when feasible. The
risk of carotid exposure, dura mater exposure, and osteoradionecrosis necessitates
covering these structures. Local flaps may not always be feasible in certain situations
(prior surgeries, tumor extensions). In such cases, reconstruction using a pedicled
temporalis fascia flap can be considered. The aim of this article is to elucidate,
through a video, the surgical procedure.
Materials and Methods: This involves a video accompanied by anatomical drawings of
a 37-year-old patient with a right-sided recurrent adenoid cystic carcinoma of the
rhinopharynx treated with a right-sided type III rhinopharyngectomy with sphenoid
base milling.
Results: The video explicates the key aspects of this surgery, including patient positioning,
flap harvesting, flap passage, and placement in the resection area.
Conclusion: The pedicled temporalis fascia flap represents a reliable alternative
for reconstructions of the rhinopharynx and skull base when local flaps are no longer
viable.
