Classification and reconstruction of the defects after combined cranio-maxillo-facial resection

Objective To review our patients who underwent reconstruction of the defect after combined cranio-maxillo-facial resection in recent years.Methods From January,2005 to January,2011,88 patients underwent reconstruction of the defect after combined cranio-maxillo-facial resection.Different reconstructive techniques were used according to the defect classifications in dura,skull base bone,and facial tissues.For dural defects,no repair (37 cases),primary closure (25 cases),and dural repair (26 cases) were performed,respectively.Dural repair materials included thigh fascia lata (2 cases),temporalis fascia (2 cases),pericranium (1 case) and artificial dural patch (21 cases).Bone reconstruction of the skull base were performed in 61 patients with titanium mesh (57 cases),free iliac bone graft (1 case),free cranial bone graft (2 cases) and Medpor (1 case),respectively.Limited facial soft and hard tissue defects in 44 patients were reconstructed with temporalis system of flaps (36 cases),sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap (6 cases),and pterygoid muscle flap (2 cases),respectively.Extensive facial soft and hard tissue defects in 44 patients were reconstructed with free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (26 cases),free pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (12 cases),free anterolateral thigh perforator flap (5 cases cases) and free anteromedial thigh perforator flap (1 case),respectively.Results The overall success rate of 88 flaps was 100％.Cerebrospinal fluid leak was found in 4 patients,wound infection was found in 2 patients,intracranial infection was found in 2 patients,respectively.Six patients with cerebrospinal fluid leak or wound infection were cured by conservative treatment.Two patients with intracranial infection were dead although they underwent salvage surgery.Overall rate of complications was 9.1％,dead rate was 2.3％.Conclusion Successful reconstruction of the defect after combined cranio-maxillo-facial resection can be achieved by watertight dural repair,bone reconstruction of the skull base and well-vascularized tissue covered.Regional flap and free tissue transfer are both preferred reconstructive technique depending on the anatomic site and the extent of the defect. Key words: Combined cranio-maxillo-facial resection;  Tumor;  Head and neck;  Free flap;  Microsurgical operation