title: Novel use of unilateral galeopericranial flaps for closure of sino-orbital cutaneous fistulas.
abstract: Sino-orbital cutaneous fistulas are a well-documented complication of orbital exenteration and sinonasal carcinoma resection. Challenges to successful closure of this common complication include complex anatomy, communication with sinonasal mucosa, persistent mucopurulent drainage, compromised wound healing due to previous irradiation, and wound infection. We describe a novel approach for closure of sino-orbital cutaneous fistulas in two patients using a galeopericranial flap. The galeopericranial flap is ideal due to its thin, pliable nature and predictable, abundant vascularity. Additionally, it obviates the need for a more cosmetically disfiguring closure. Although used successfully in a variety of skull base and ophthalmologic surgeries, the galeopericranial flap has not been previously described for closure of sino-orbital cutaneous fistulas. Both patients' defects have remained closed at follow-up with excellent cosmetic results.
authors: Department of Otolaryngology, The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York, New York 10003, USA. vmehta@nyee.edu
authors: Vikas
authors: V
authors: Mehta
authors: Eran E
authors: EE
authors: Alon
authors: Daniel
authors: D
authors: Buchbinder
authors: Mark L
authors: ML
authors: Urken
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D017577:Cutaneous Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D005134:Eye Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005402:Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D008444:Maxillary Sinus Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000601:surgery*; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D017233:Orbit Evisceration; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D009918:Orbital Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D010254:Paranasal Sinus Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*