Orbital and anterior skull base defects present a significant challenge for reconstruction
due to the complexity of the anatomy and the need for separation of intracranial and
extracranial contents in this area. While endoscopic techniques have revolutionized
the treatment of many anterior skull base defects, microvascular free tissue transfer
is a viable option for large volume defects not suitable for traditional open approaches
or for cases where endoscopic techniques have failed. The various free tissue transfer
techniques for anterior skull base and orbit, as well as the advantages and disadvantages,
are reviewed.
Keywords
free-flap reconstruction - skull base surgery - microvascular reconstruction