The most prominent stigma of supratentorial skull base surgery is the defect caused
by wasting of the temporalis muscle by denervation, devascularization, or rotation
of the muscle. Any of the above may lead to a unilateral temporal deformity informally
referred to patients as “the divot in my head.” Abdominal free fat grafting has been
used by surgeons for years to close posterior fossa defects with excellent results.
We present our experience using abdominal free fat grafts to improve cosmetic results
and to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leaks in supratentorial skull base surgery. The
basic technique and its benefits are described.
Keywords
supratentorial skull base surgery - cerebrospinal fluid leak - free fat grafting -
dural closure - craniotomy
