Free Mucosal Graft for Reconstruction after Nonfunctional Pituitary Adenoma Surgery

BACKGROUND: In the search for an effective closure without nasosinusal morbidity, we have studied the efficacy of free mucosal graft as a reconstructive technique of the sellar floor after the resection of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA). METHODS: In 100 endonasal endoscopic surgeries, we analyzed the personal history, radiological and intraoperative aspects that could have an impact on the risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. They were divided into three groups: no mucosa flap/graft, mucosal free graft, and nasoseptal pedicled flap. RESULTS: The characteristics of the patients and adenomas were the same in all three groups. Intraoperative CSF leak was observed in 1/13 cases of the group without graft/flap (7%), in 16/50 of the free mucosal graft (32%) and 12/37 (32%) of pedicle flap. The proportion of cases in which other means of reconstruction were used in addition (fat, collagen matrix, and sealant) was similar in the different groups. No CSF leaks were observed, except for a doubtful one in the free mucosal graft group, which resolved spontaneously within 24 h, without receiving any type of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The middle turbinate free mucosal graft can be of great value in endonasal surgery: It achieves a hermetic closure in cases of low-flow CSF leaks, it can be useful as a rescue for cases where nasoseptal mucosa is not available to perform a pedicled nasoseptal flap, minimizes the nasosinusal complications of the pedicled flap by leaving a smaller surface area of the nasal cavity devoid of the mucosa, and achieves greater nasosinusal functionality because proper reepithelialization occurs in the area.