Impact of Reverse Septal Flap on Morbidity of Nasoseptal Flap Reconstruction of Skull Base Defects

Background The workhorse for endonasal reconstruction of skull base defects is the posteriorly-based nasoseptal flap (NSF). Postoperative nasal deformities and decreased olfaction are potential complications of NSF. The reverse septal flap (RSF) minimizes the donor site morbidity of the NSF by covering the exposed cartilage of the anterior septum. Currently, there are minimal data examining its effect on outcomes including nasal dorsum collapse and olfaction. Objective Our study aims to clarify whether the RSF should be utilized when the option exists. Methods Adult patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) surgery of the skull base (transsellar/transplanum/transclival approaches) with NSF reconstruction were identified. Data from 2 separate cohorts, one retrospective and one prospective, were collected. Follow-up was at least 6 months. Patients were photographed preoperatively and postoperatively using standard rhinoplastic nasal views. Patients completed the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) and the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) preoperatively and postoperatively and were also queried regarding subjective changes in nasal appearance and plans for cosmetic surgery following EEA. Results There were no statistically significant differences in the change in UPSIT and SNOT-22 scores between patients receiving RSF and other reconstructive groups (either NSF without RSF or no NSF). One of 25 patients who were reconstructed with an NSF with RSF reported a change in nasal appearance; none were considering reconstructive surgery. The proportion of patients reporting changes in appearance was significantly lower in the NSF with RSF group as compared to the NSF without RSF group (P = .012). Conclusion The use of an RSF to limit donor site morbidity of the NSF was shown to significantly decrease the proportion of patients who reported nasal deformities and did not show a significant difference in patient-reported sinonasal outcomes. Given these findings, RSF should be considered whenever an NSF is used for reconstruction.