title: Locoregional and free flap reconstruction of the lateral skull base.
abstract: Lateral temporal bone reconstruction after ablative surgery for malignancy, chronic infection, osteoradionecrosis, or trauma presents a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. This complexity is due to the 3D nature of the region, potential dural exposure, and the possible need for external surface repair. Successful reconstruction therefore requires achieving separation of the dura, obliteration of volume defect, and external cutaneous repair. There is significant institutional bias on the best method of reconstruction of these defects. In this review, the advantages and disadvantages of reconstructive options will be discussed as well as the potential pitfalls and complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.
authors.forename: Jeremy D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Richmon
authors.affiliation: Department of Otology and Laryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Bharat B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Yarlagadda
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon.
authors.forename: Mark K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Wax
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
authors.forename: Urjeet
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri.
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Diaz
authors.affiliation: Department of Otology and Laryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Derrick T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Lin
mesh_terms: D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D006084:Graft Rejection; D006085:Graft Survival; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D019291:Skull Base / Q000601:surgery*; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: complications; free flap; lateral skull base; locoregional reconstruction; review