Craig, John R

ABSTRACT Objective There is limited consensus on endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS) reconstruction principles. This study aims to generate comprehensive themes regarding ESBS reconstruction by pooling the experiences of ESBS experts, with comparison to a literature review of current published evidence. Methods Structured qualitative interviews of ESBS experts regarding postoperative management and reconstruction of various defect locations were conducted. Results A total of 68 experts comprising 40 academic teams across 13 countries with an average of 18 years of ESBS experience were included. We propose 10 stepwise algorithms for common skull base reconstruction scenarios based on these expert interviews. When available, the nasoseptal flap is used for all high_flow cerebrospinal leak defects. Multilayered reconstruction is favored at all anatomical subsites with increasing number of layers for increasing defect size and complexity. Heterogeneity exists in terms of inlay technique and materials, free grafting versus various pedicled flap options for low‐flow defects or in the absence of a nasal septum, nasal packing, tissue sealant, lumbar drain use, and postoperative management. Commonalities and discrepancies between experts were summarized. Conclusion Skull base reconstruction and post‐ESBS management is highly complex with a wide variety of practice patterns and expert strategies. Further research of higher quality evidence is warranted to identify optimal management patterns, though the current work aims to inform surgeons on these controversial areas by drawing from numerous experiences.

ABSTRACTObjectiveIntrathecal fluorescein (IF) is effective for localizing nasal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks along the skull base during endoscopic exploration, with largest studies reporting sensitivities ranging from 66%–93%. Due to reports of intraoperative and postoperative neurologic complications such as seizures and paralysis, surgeons often dilute the fluorescein and inject it intrathecally slowly over a variable amount of time. However, no study has assessed whether rapid IF administration causes the aforementioned risks or whether it affects its accuracy in identifying CSF leaks intraoperatively.MethodsA prospective study was conducted from 2015 to 2024, where all patients undergoing endoscopic exploration and/or repair of CSF rhinorrhea had 0.1 mL of 10% fluorescein (10 mg) mixed with 3–5 mL of patients' CSF injected rapidly via the lumbar drain over a few seconds.ResultsOf the 82 included patients, the mean age was 53.8 ± 15.2 years, and 84% were female. Sixty‐nine patients underwent successful endoscopic CSF leak repairs, and 13 had negative endoscopic explorations. Rapid IF injection was 80% sensitive (20% false negative rate) and 100% specific for identifying CSF leaks, and it caused no seizures, paralysis, or other neurologic complications.ConclusionCompared to prior reports of slow low‐dose IF injection for CSF leak localization, rapid IF injection yielded similar efficacy (80% sensitivity) with no IF‐related complications. Rapid IF injection was safe and effective but should be corroborated by future studies.Level of Evidence4.

IntroductionUnilateral sphenoid sinus opacification on computed tomography is caused by a variety of pathologies including inflammatory and infectious sinusitis, benign and malignant tumors, and encephaloceles. The purpose of this study was to report craniofacial pain locations and outcomes in inflammatory unilateral sphenoid sinusitis (USS) patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).MethodsA multi‐institutional retrospective cohort study was conducted on all adult patients who had ESS for USS from 2015 to 2022. Patient demographics, presenting symptoms and nasal endoscopy findings, extent of surgical dissection, and craniofacial pain locations and outcomes were recorded. Exclusion criteria included age <18 years, non‐inflammatory etiology, immunodeficiency, invasive fungal sinusitis, lack of follow‐up, lack of preoperative pain location, and neoplasia. Descriptive statistics were calculated.ResultsOf 57 patients with USS, 44 (77.2%) reported craniofacial pain at one or more locations. Retrobulbar (n = 19, 43.2%) was the most common pain location followed by frontal (n = 17, 38.6%) and occipital (n = 10, 22.7%). Surgical intervention resulted in pain resolution in 33/44 patients (75%), with a mean follow‐up of 83.7 (±97.8) days. There were no significant associations between presenting symptoms, imaging findings, endoscopy, surgical extent, or final pathology and the presence or resolution of facial pain (p > 0.05).ConclusionIn USS patients, the most common craniofacial pain locations were retrobulbar, occipital, and frontal, with a minority being vertex. Based on short‐term follow‐up, ESS resolved the craniofacial pain in 75% of cases. There were no clinical variables that predicted the presence or resolution of craniofacial pain.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 135:1915–1919, 2025