Middle turbinate mucosal flap: Low-morbidity option in the management of skull base defects.

Abstract

To describe the low morbidity of middle turbinate mucosal flap (MTMF) to repair anterior skull base defects. Skull base endonasal endoscopic surgeries performed at a tertiary hospital between 2015 and 2018 were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according the existence or not of a significant intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. In Group 1 (n = 28), gasket seal and a pedicled endonasal flap were used to repair the defect: 13 nasoseptal flaps (NSF), 8 inferolateral wall flaps (ILF), and 7 MTMF. In Group 2 only an endonasal flap was used: 9 NSF, 4 ILF, and 18 MTMF. Surgical and recovery time were analyzed (Student's t test). Our favorite surgical technique is described. Fifty-nine patients were included. Average surgical time was 27.7, 41.6, and 11.3 min for NSF, ILF, and MTMF, respectively. MTMF showed a faster recovery. MTMF is a safe reconstructive option for anterior skull base defects.