Allan Vescan

Endoscopic reconstruction of the cranial base using a pedicled nasoseptal flap.

OBJECTIVE Reconstruction of the cranial base using vascularized tissue promotes rapid and complete healing, thus avoiding complications caused by persistent communication between the cranial cavity and the sinonasal tract. The Hadad-Bassagasteguy flap (HBF), a neurovascular pedicled flap of the nasal septum mucoperiosteum and mucoperichondrium based on the nasoseptal artery, seems to be advantageous for the reconstruction of the cranial base after endonasal cranial base surgery. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent endonasal cranial base surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center from January 30, 2006 to January 30, 2007, identifying patients who experienced reconstruction with a vascularized septal mucosal flap (HBF). We analyzed the demographic data, pathological characteristics, site and extent of resection, use of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion techniques, and outcome. RESULTS Seventy-five patients who underwent endonasal cranial base endoscopic surgery received repair with the HBF. In this population, we encountered eight postoperative CSF leaks (10.66%), all in patients who required intra-arachnoidal dissection. When we correct the statistical analysis to include only patients with intra- arachnoidal lesions, the postoperative CSF leak rate is 14.5% (eight of 55 patients). It is notable that six CSF (33%) leaks occurred in our first 25 repairs, whereas we encountered only two postoperative leaks (4%) in the last 50 patients. The corrected CSF leak rate, considering only intra-arachnoidal lesions, was two (5.4%) of 37 patients. This improvement in the CSF leak rate reflects our growing experience and comfort with this reconstructive technique. All of our failures could be matched to a specific technical mistake. In addition, we modified the flap-harvesting technique to allow for staged procedures and the removal of caudal lesions. These special circumstances require storage of the flap in the antrum during the removal of caudal lesions, and suturing of the flap in its original position for staged procedures. One patient experienced a posterior nose bleed from the posterior nasal artery. This was controlled with bipolar electrocautery, thereby preserving the flap blood supply. We encountered no infectious or wound complications in this series of patients. The donor site accumulates crusting, which requires debridement until mucosalization is complete; this usually occurs 6 to 12 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSION The HBF is a versatile and reliable reconstructive technique for repairing defects of the anterior, middle, clival, and parasellar cranial base. Its use has resulted in a significant decrease in our incidence of CSF leaks after endonasal cranial base surgery. Attention to technical details is of paramount importance to achieve the best outcomes.

The Posterior Pedicle Inferior Turbinate Flap: A New Vascularized Flap for Skull Base Reconstruction

Background: Expanded endonasal approaches (EEA) for the resection of lesions of the anterior and ventral skull base can create large defects with a significant risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks or exposure of the internal carotid artery. In these cases, a reconstruction using a vascularized flap facilitates rapid and complete healing of the defect. The Hadad‐Bassagasteguy flap (HBF), a posterior pedicle nasoseptal flap, is our preferred reconstructive option; however, a prior posterior septectomy or prior wide sphenoidotomies preclude its use. We have developed two additional pedicled flaps to reconstruct these selected patients: the transpterygoid temporoparietal fascia flap, which is suitable for large defects, and the posterior pedicle inferior turbinate flap (PPITF), the subject of this paper.

Expanded endonasal approach: vidian canal as a landmark to the petrous internal carotid artery

The purpose of this study was to describe the technique used to safely identify the petrous carotid artery during expanded endonasal approaches to the skull base. A series of 20 cadaveric studies was undertaken to isolate the vidian artery and nerve and to use them as landmarks to the petrous internal carotid artery (ICA). Twenty-five consecutive paraclival endoscopic cases were also reviewed to determine the consistency of the vidian artery in vivo as an intraoperative landmark to the ICA. These data were then correlated with results from a separate study in which computed tomography scans from 44 patients were evaluated to delineate the course of the vidian canal and its relationship to the petrous ICA. In all 20 cadaveric dissections and all 25 surgical cases, the vidian artery was consistently identified and could be reliably used as a landmark to the ICA. The correlation between anatomical and clinical data in this paper supports the consistent use of the vidian artery as an important landmark to the petrous ICA.

Transpterygoid transposition of a temporoparietal fascia flap: a new method for skull base reconstruction after endoscopic expanded endonasal approaches.

Background: Endoscopic expanded endonasal approaches (EEAs) for the resection of lesions of the anterior and ventral skull base can create large defects that present a significant risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. These defects, especially in patients who received preoperative radiotherapy, are best reconstructed with vascularized tissue. The Hadad‐Bassagasteguy flap, a pedicled nasoseptal flap, is our preferred method for reconstruction. This option is not available, however, in patients who underwent a previous posterior septectomy or in those with tumors that invade the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) or sphenoid sinus rostrum. In this scenario, we have used a temporoparietal fascial flap (TPFF) for the reconstruction of large surgical defects.

Nasal morbidity following endoscopic skull base surgery: a prospective cohort study.

Nasal morbidity following skull base surgery necessitates follow‐up for postoperative care. We describe nasal morbidity following endoscopic skull base surgery.

Quality of life following endonasal skull base surgery.

The importance of quality of life (QOL) outcomes following treatments for head and neck tumors are now increasingly appreciated and measured to improve medical and surgical care for these patients. An understanding of the definitions in the setting of health care and the use of appropriate QOL instruments and measures are critical to obtain meaningful information that guides decision making in various aspects of patient health care. QOL outcomes following cranial base surgery is only recently being defined. In this article, we describe the current published data on QOL outcomes following cranial base surgery and provide preliminary prospective data on QOL outcomes and sinonasal morbidity in patients who underwent endonasal cranial base surgery for management of various skull base tumors at our institution. We used a disease-specific multidimensional instrument to measure QOL outcomes in these patients. Our results show that although sinonasal morbidity is increased, this is temporary, and the vast majority of patients have a very good QOL by 4 to 6 months after endonasal approach to the cranial base.

Experience with the expanded endonasal approach for resection of the odontoid process in rheumatoid disease.

Background One of the common indications for removal of the odontoid process includes decompression of the cervicomedullary junction in patients with arthritic degeneration. Resection of the odontoid process can be accomplished using a completely transnasal endoscopic approach. Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients with rheumatoid pannus undergoing transnasal endoscopic resection of the odontoid to assess preoperative characteristics, postoperative complications, and outcomes. Patients were followed for a minimum of 3 months in the postoperative period and/or until death. In addition to the primary procedure, those patients with preoperative cervical instability underwent posterior fusion of the upper cervical spine to the occiput for stabilization during the same hospitalization. Results Nine patients underwent transnasal endoscopic resection of the odontoid process for rheumatoid or degenerative pannus and brainstem compression. Perioperatively, four patients required a tracheostomy; two of whom had significant preoperative pharyngeal dysfunction. Two patients experienced postoperative velopharyngeal incompetence, which was transient. No patients had cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and there were no perioperative infectious complications noted. There was one delayed death in this patient cohort because of a presumed pulmonary embolus. Otherwise, all patients showed an improvement of their preoperative neurological symptoms. Conclusion This early series of patients with rheumatoid pannus shows the feasibility of a fully endoscopic, completely transnasal approach for the resection of the odontoid process. Potential advantages include improved visualization, limited morbidity, decreased pain, and faster recovery than traditional approaches.

Vidian canal: analysis and relationship to the internal carotid artery.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to describe the anatomy and relationships of the vidian canal to known endonasal and skull base landmarks. This will allow the endoscopic skull base surgeon to safely approach the anterior genu of the petrous carotid artery during expanded endonasal approaches to the skull base.

Parathyroid Hormone as a Predictor of Hypocalcemia after Thyroidectomy

Objectives: The aims of this study are to ascertain whether parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay before total/completion thyroidectomy followed by levels immediately thereafter in the recovery room and the morning after surgery are a reliable predictor of hypocalcemia at our institution. In addition, to determine the feasibility of early discharge home from hospital after total thyroidectomy on the basis of postoperative PTH levels.

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma: The expanded endonasal approach

Background Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a benign but locally aggressively vascular tumor that may involve the skull base and extend intracranially. Endoscopic excision has become the new standard for smaller tumors but remains a challenge for large tumors, leading some to advocate radiation therapy. We reviewed our experience managing JNA, specifically with respect to utility of the expanded endonasal approach (EEA) for lesions with skull base and intracranial extension. Methods All cases of JNA at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center from 1995 to 2006 were reviewed with respect to tumor size and location, vascular supply and results of embolization, skull base involvement and intracranial extension, surgical approach, blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and recurrence. Results Thirty-one cases of JNA were identified. The majority of tumors were completely excised using the EEA, regardless of size or extension into adjacent compartments. Surgical excision of some tumors with intracranial blood supply was staged. Recurrence rates were not associated with extent of tumor or surgical technique. Long-term morbidity was minimal. Conclusion Most JNA, regardless of tumor extent, may be completely excised using EEA alone or in combination with minor sublabial incisions avoiding the morbidity associated with larger open approaches or postoperative radiation therapy.