The expanded endonasal approach provides access to the entire ventral skull base for
resection of neoplasms involving the skull base and brain. The creation of large defects
of the bone and dura endoscopically presents unique reconstructive challenges. A layered
reconstruction of the dura with inlay and onlay fascial grafts covered with fat grafts
is an effective technique for repair. An intranasal balloon catheter is used to provide
counterpressure in the early phase of healing and a lumbar spinal drain is a useful
adjunct in patients at increased risk of a cerebrospinal fluid leak. Vascularized
flaps may be necessary in some patients receiving radiation therapy. Continued advances
in surgical technology and the introduction of new biomaterials will facilitate the
reconstruction of skull base defects following endonasal brain surgery.
Skull base reconstruction - endonasal skull base surgery - cerebrospinal fluid leak
- mucosal flap - dural reconstruction