Marsupialization as an alternative to reconstruction in endoscopic skull base surgery. How I do it

Abstract

Background: To treat extradural solid-cystic lesions of the ventral skull base, a pedicled nasoseptal flap (NSF) maintains patency of the marsupialized cavity and prevents restenosis and cyst recurrence.

Methods: The authors provide a step-by-step description of the surgical technique valid in different lesions of the skull base, all treated via the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). The application is demonstrated by an operative video.

Conclusion: In selected lesions, endoscopic marsupialization using an NSF ensures drainage and ventilation of the surgical cavity. Re-epithelialization provided by a pedicled flap is a viable alternative to multilayer skull base reconstruction.

Keywords: Alternative; Endoscopic skull base surgery; Intracranial lesions; Marsupialization; Nasoseptal flap; Skull base reconstruction.