Open (Anterior) Skull Base Repair

Even with the paradigm shift to endoscopic skull base surgery, open skull base surgical techniques are still needed for certain malignant tumors, larger composite defects, major craniofacial trauma, osteoradionecrosis, and failed previous endoscopic reconstructions. Understanding skull base anatomy in regard to bony, soft tissue, and vascular anatomy is pertinent when planning reconstructions and utilizing open skull surgical techniques to achieve separation of the intracranial and extracranial contents with a water-tight seal, as well eliminating dead space, and secondarily restoring adequate form and function.