Endoscopic extrasellar skull base reconstruction using bioabsorbable plates.

BACKGROUND

Many techniques have been utilized for reconstruction of the anterior skull base. Each method has advantages and disadvantages with respect to effectiveness, morbidity, strength, and cost. Rigid reconstruction may provide advantages in certain patients.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated all patients who had placement of rigid absorbable reconstruction plates in the anterior skull base in a variety of extrasellar locations and describe results and complications compared with other published techniques.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of consecutive patients at a tertiary referral institution who underwent endoscopic extrasellar skull base reconstruction, 2012-2019, using resorbable poly (D,L) lactic acid plates (Resorb-X Sellar Wall Plate; KLS Martin; Jacksonville, FL). Data reviewed included demographic information, indication for surgery, location and size of defect, pathology, peri-operative use of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion, postoperative complications, post-operative CSF leak, adjuvant therapy, and length of follow-up.

RESULTS

Twenty-four subjects and 25 operative procedures met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 53 years (range 11-77). Average BMI was 34 kg/m. Mean follow-up time was 30 months (range 1-78). Indications for surgery were CSF rhinorrhea (spontaneous, post-traumatic, or iatrogenic) or reconstruction after tumor resection. Four cases were revision procedures. Twenty patients had lumbar drains placed intraoperatively. Only two nasoseptal flaps and two free mucosal grafts were used. None of the patients had a postoperative CSF leak. There was no mortality or morbidity related to the skull base reconstruction or implanted material.

CONCLUSION

The Resorb-X resorbable rigid plate provides an effective, customizable, bioabsorbable option that is easily manipulated for skull base reconstruction of defects of a variety of sizes in diverse locations. Reconstruction incorporating this plate provides an effective alternative to other previously described techniques.