Modified Posterior Pedicle Middle Turbinate Flap: An Additional Option for Skull Base Resurfacing
Andrea Pistochini, Federico Russo, Elisa Coden, Giorgio Sileo, Paolo Battaglia, Maurizio Bignami, Luca Volpi, Paolo Castelnuovo
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Although the Hadad-Bassagusteguy flap represents the first choice for middle and posterior skull base reconstruction and coverage of exposed bony areas, in some cases it is unavailable. The aim of this study is to describe, as an alternative option in selected cases, a modified posterior pedicle middle turbinate flap (mPPMTF) extended to the lacrimal area. Anatomical features, step-by-step harvesting technique, and surgical applications are presented. STUDY DESIGN: Anatomic dissection study and case report. METHODS: Four mPPMTFs were raised in two fresh-frozen cadaver heads. A study of the vascular supply and measurements of length, width, and area of the flap were performed. The ability of the flap to cover the ventral skull base, particularly the upper clivus area, was tested. A clinical case in which an mPPMTF was used for clivus resurfacing after osteoradionecrosis is reported. RESULTS: . The flap was able to reach the upper clivus, with a clival coverage ratio of 70.66%. In the clinical case, good surgical outcomes were observed, with accelerated re-epithelization without complications. CONCLUSIONS: The mPPMTF represents an alternative to the Hadad-Bassagusteguy flap for posterior cranial fossa and nasopharynx resurfacing. The main drawbacks are its technically demanding and time-consuming harvesting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E767-E774, 2021.