Skull Base 2007; 17(1): 053-058
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-959335
Copyright © 2007 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

How I Do It: Endoscopic-Microscopic Anterior Skull Base Reconstruction

W. Draf1 , B. Schick2
  • 1Department for Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Head and Neck Surgery, International Neuroscience Institute, University of Magdeburg, Hannover, Germany
  • 2Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
08 January 2007 (online)

ABSTRACT

Reconstruction of the anterior skull base must be secure and watertight. Failure to achieve this places the patient at risk of the development of cerebral sepsis. We have developed the technique of endonasal duraplasty and have achieved a 90% long-term success rate. In this article we described the key elements of our technique starting with radiographic and fluorescein localization of a skull base defect. The main steps in reconstruction and materials used are detailed, together with modifications of our technique for certain difficult situations and tips for success. Attention is drawn to potential pitfalls that have been identified over 25 years of clinical practice.

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Wolfgang DrafM.D. 

Department for Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Head and Neck Surgery, International Neuroscience Institute, University of Magdeburg

Rudolf-Pichlmayr-Strasse 4, D-30625 Hannover, Germany

Email: wdraf@aol.com