Using of titanium mesh for the reconstruction of skull base defect / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The purpose of this study is to evaluate the possibility and surgical principle of titanium mesh used for the reconstruction of skull base bone defect.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 11 patients with defect of skull base bone repaired with titanium mesh were retrospectively analysed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among 11 patients, there were 6 patients with skull base tumor, 3 patients with fibrosis hyperplasia, 2 patients with encephalomeningocele. The surgical approach included craniofacial approach in 7 patients, transfrontal and extended transfrontal approach in 3 patients, trans-midface approach in 1 patient. The anterior and lateral skull base was repaired in 2 patients, anterior and middle skull base and sellar repaired in 6 patients, anterior skull base and orbital floor repaired in 3 patients. In early postoperative period, there were 3 patients with intracranial pneumatosis, but without symptom, and 1 patient with transient cerebrospinal leakage. Following-up for average 14.4 months, there was no titanium mesh displacement and intracranial infection in all patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The titanium mesh used for the repair of skull base bone defect was both possible and safe.</p>