title: Calculating nasoseptal flap dimensions: a cadaveric study using cone beam computed tomography.
abstract: We hypothesize that three-dimensional imaging using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is suitable for calculating nasoseptal flap (NSF) dimensions. To evaluate our hypothesis, we compared CBCT NSF dimensions with anatomical dissections. The NSF reach and vascularity were studied. In an anatomical study (n = 10), CBCT NSF length and surface were calculated and compared with anatomical dissections. The NSF position was evaluated by placing the NSF from the anterior sphenoid sinus wall and from the sella along the skull base towards the frontal sinus. To visualize the NSF vascularity in CBCT, the external carotic arteries were perfused with colored Iomeron. Correlations between CBCT NSFs and anatomical dissections were strongly positive (r > 0.70). The CBCT NSF surface was 19.8 cm(2) [16.6-22.3] and the left and right CBCT NSF lengths were 78.3 mm [73.2-89.5] and 77.7 mm [72.2-88.4] respectively. Covering of the anterior skull base was possible by positioning the NSF anterior to the sphenoid sinus. If the NSF was positioned from the sella along the skull base towards the frontal sinus, the NSF reached partially into the anterior ethmoidal sinuses. CBCT is a valuable technique for calculating NSF dimensions. CBCT to demonstrate septum vascularity in cadavers proved to be less suitable. The NSF reach for covering the anterior skull base depends on positioning. This study encourages preoperative planning of a customized NSF, in an attempt to spare septal mucosa. In the concept of minimal invasive surgery, accompanied by providing customized care, this can benefit the patients' postoperative complaints.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands, e.ten.dam@umcg.nl.
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ten Dam
authors.forename: Astrid G W
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Korsten-Meijer
authors.forename: Rutger H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Schepers
authors.forename: Wicher J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: van der Meer
authors.forename: Peter O
authors.initials: PO
authors.lastname: Gerrits
authors.forename: Bernard F A M
authors.initials: BF
authors.lastname: van der Laan
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Feijen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002102:Cadaver; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D004210:Dissection; D005260:Female; D005626:Frontal Sinus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D019291:Skull Base / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D013101:Sphenoid Sinus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013524:Surgical Flaps