Utilising Free Middle Turbinate Mucosal Grafts to Reconstruct the Septal Donor Site Following Nasoseptal Flap Harvesting in Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Sellar and Parasellar Lesions

• DOI: 10.1111/coa.14287
• Publication Date: 2025-01-29T10:20:35Z
• Authors: Chin‐Hsuan Liu; Tsai Shan Lin; Yu‐Wen Huang; Chien‐Fu Yeh; Li‐Ting Hung; Ming‐Ying Lan; Wei‐Hsin Wang
• Keywords: Endoscopic endonasal surgery

ABSTRACT Introduction The nasoseptal flap (NSF) has become a widely favoured choice for reconstructing skull base defects following the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). However, exposed septal cartilage and bone at donor site often require an extended duration secondary healing. This study investigated whether free middle turbinate (MT) mucosa grafting could mitigate post‐operative nasal morbidity. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients with sellar parasellar lesions who underwent NSF harvesting in EEA between 2015 2023. In most cases, MT was harvested as mucosal graft placed on site. degree of mucosalisation presence crusting were assessed during follow‐up appointments. Results A total 104 included this study, comprising 41 males 63 females. All defect reconstruction 99 received average complete 38.7 days, significantly different from 59.6 days without ( p < 0.0001). At 3‐month follow‐up, 34% displayed no compared to 20% graft. Conclusions use represents promising technique improving mucosalization minimising harvest lesions.