The XXXX Sandwich Technique for a Safe and Aesthetic Skull Base Reconstruction.

@entity1 @entity1912 @entity79 @entity281 @entity702
UNASSIGNED: For safe and reliable skull base reconstruction combined with repair of cranial @entity79 , we introduce the @entity1912 sandwich technique in this study. A @entity702 mesh is often used to repair structural cranial @entity79 because it has less donor site morbidity and is easy to handle. However, @entity702 mesh has disadvantages of exposure and @entity281 postoperatively. To improve surgical outcomes, we applied the @entity1912 sandwich technique to 3 cases of skull base reconstruction combined with cranial @entity79 repair. Two anterior skull base defects and 1 middle skull base defect were included in this study. The subjects were all @entity1 , aged 30, 58, and 62 years. One @entity1 had former multiple craniotomies and another @entity1 had preoperative radiotherapy. The @entity1912 sandwich technique involves structural cranial bone reconstruction with a @entity702 mesh and soft tissue reconstruction with a chimeric anterolateral thigh free @entity1912 . First, the dead space between the repaired dura and the @entity702 mesh is filled with vastus lateralis muscle, and then structural reconstruction is performed with a @entity702 mesh. Finally, the @entity702 mesh is totally covered with the adiposal @entity1912 of the anterolateral thigh free @entity1912 . The muscle @entity1912 protects the dead space from @entity281 , and the adiposal @entity1912 covers the @entity702 mesh to reduce mechanical stress on the covered skin and thus prevent the exposure of the @entity702 mesh through the scalp. By applying this technique, there was no @entity281 or @entity702 mesh exposure in these 3 cases postoperatively, even though 2 @entity1 had postoperative radiotherapy. Additionally, the adiposal @entity1912 could provide a soft and natural contour to the scalp and forehead region, and this gives @entity1 a better facial appearance even though they have had skull base surgery.
