Anterior cranial base reconstruction using free tissue transfer: Changing trends

Abstract

In our institution, the use of vascularized, free-tissue transfer has replaced pedicled flaps as the preferred modality for reconstructing complex anterior cranial base defects involving resection of dura, brain, or multiple major structures adjacent to local skull base, including the orbit, palate, and other structures. Complication rates for patients reconstructed with free-tissue transfer techniques is similar to those patients reconstructed by conventional techniques, despite an increase in complexity of resection in this group.