• Bin Zhang, Jing-Hai Wan, Han-Feng Wan, De-Zhi Li, and Yong-Xia Zhang.
• Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Institute & Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic China.
• Microsurgery. 2014 Nov 1; 34 (8): 623-8.

BackgroundSkull base reconstruction is challenging due to its proximity to important anatomical structures. This report evaluates the use of perforator flaps for reconstruction of skull base defects after advanced recurrent tumor resection.MethodsFourteen free perforator flaps were transferred to reconstruct skull base defects in 14 consecutive patients, from October 2004 to May 2011. All patients had advanced recurrent neoplasms that were previously treated with either radiation therapy or surgery. The surgical defects were reconstructed using various perforator flaps mainly the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps, anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps, or thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps. The outcomes following reconstruction and associated complications were evaluated.ResultsThe overall free flap success rate was 93% (13/14). One ALT flap was lost. Three patients (20%) had a cerebrospinal fluid fistula, and two of them developed meningitis. No complications were observed at the donor site.ConclusionsThe use of perforator flaps may be a viable option for reconstruction of skull base defects after the resection of advanced recurrent tumor.© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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