The objective of this study is to demonstrate the benefits of scalp-based split-thickness skin grafts as a reconstructive modality for facial skin defects, noting advantages relative to traditional harvest sites. The study is presented as a case series with chart review set in a tertiary referral center. We reviewed the charts of patients with facial skin defects whose reconstruction required more skin than could be harvested with standard full-thickness skin grafting techniques and, accordingly, included a split-thickness skin graft from the adjacent scalp. Preoperative and postoperative photographs, along with operative and postoperative records, were used to evaluate final cosmetic results and complications. We reviewed 15 patients, with ages ranging from 6 to 90 years. Common indications were skin cancer resection, avulsive skin trauma, and ear reconstruction. While patients generally had good cosmetic outcomes, with excellent color matching relative to traditional distant donor sites, a major advantage of the scalp donor site was low donor-site morbidity. Scalp donor sites were commonly reepithelialized at 7 to 10 days postoperatively and had low reported pain scores. There were no major complications. Reconstruction of facial skin defects that require skin coverage with split-thickness skin grafts can optimally be harvested from adjacent scalp skin, providing adequate cosmesis but, perhaps most importantly, much lower donor-site morbidity than with traditional nonhair-bearing donor sites.

The MBFI is a reliable and valid tool for measuring fatigue levels in head and neck cancer patients. In the context of initial assessment or posttreatment trending, this brief survey can be rapidly administered, providing valuable objective data on a very common and potentially debilitating symptom.

Background?Endoscopic endonasal skull base reconstructions have been associated with postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. Objective?A repair protocol for endoscopic endonasal skull base reconstruction is presented with the objective of decreasing the overall leak rate. Methods?A total of 180 endoscopic endonasal skull base reconstructions were reviewed. Reconstructions were classified I to IV according to the reconstruction method, determined by severity of intraoperatively encountered CSF leaks for types I to III, and planned preoperatively for type IVs, which required nasoseptal flap. Results?A total of 11 patients(6%) had postoperative leaks: 0 in type I (0%), 2 in type II (5%), 7 in type III (18%), and 2 (4%) in type IV reconstruction. Type III leak rate was higher than all other reconstructions. Total 31 intraoperative and 16 postoperative lumbar drains were placed. More patients had lumbar drains placed postoperatively for type III and intraoperatively for type IV than all other groups. There were significant overall differences in postoperative CSF leaks and lumbar drain placement between the four reconstruction types. No patient with type III reconstruction and intraoperative lumbar drain had postoperative CSF leak. Conclusions?A repair protocol for endoscopic endonasal reconstructions determined by intraoperative CSF leak and preoperative planning minimizes unnecessary repair materials and additional morbidity. Our experience leads to a routine prophylactic lumbar drain placement in all type III leak and reconstructions. We also favor the type III reconstruction for minor intraoperative leaks, and a more generous use of type IV reconstructions in expectation of significant intraoperative CSF leak. The option of rescue flap technique in type III leaks should be strongly considered.

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