Reconstruction of the skull base after tumor resection: an overview of methods

Successful surgical management of malignant skull base tumors depends on both tumor resection and reconstruction of the cranial base defect. The primary goals of skull base reconstruction are to repair dural defects, to prevent the development of cerebrospinal fluid fistulas, and to provide a protective barrier that isolates the intracranial contents from the nasopharynx and paranasal sinuses. Failure to do so can result in potentially life-threatening infectious complications. With modern skull base and reconstructive techniques, malignant tumors in this region, which were once deemed inoperable, can now be safely removed. The authors review the different modalities available for skull base reconstruction following tumor resection.