Latissimus dorsi free flap reconstruction of anterior skull base defects.

INTRODUCTION: Surgery of extensive skull base tumour results of a defect of soft and hard tissue and dura. Free flap reconstruction provides tissue to restore the defect and separate the intracranial content from the bacterial flora of the nasal fossae. Vertical and transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous free flap are usually used. This study was designed to compare our experience of latissimus dorsi free flap reconstruction of extensive skull base defects after tumour resection with the literature concerning the use of other types of free flaps.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: All extensive skull base tumour resections with latissimus free flap reconstruction made in the head and neck oncology unit of the Institut Curie, Cancer Centre, between January 2004 and December 2009 were reviewed.

RESULTS: Two infectious complications were observed (11.7%), two cases of CSF leak (11.7%), one case of wound dehiscence following tumour resection comprising the nasal skin (5.9%) and one case of partial distal necrosis of the flap in a zone of skin resection (5.9%) were observed. No flaps were lost. Two latissimus dorsi donor site haematomas were observed (11.7%).

CONCLUSION: When reconstruction of extensive skull base defect need free flap, the latissimus dorsi free flap is a reliable solution.