Hydroxyapatite cement cranioplasty for reconstruction of translabyrinthine approach: aesthetic results, long-term satisfaction, quality of life, and complications

Background Translabyrinthine approaches (TLAs) for resection of skull base neoplasms are complex with variable reconstruction techniques. Fat grafts in conjunction with hydroxyapatite bone cement techniques have seldom been described in terms of possible superiority to other skull base reconstruction techniques. We sought to determine the impact of this skull base reconstruction technique on clinical outcomes and patient’s satisfaction. Method We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent translabyrinthine approaches for resection of CPA lesions over a 5-year period. Both post-op objective and subjective markers of reconstruction, as well as postoperative complications, were collected and analyzed. Results Sixty-nine patients were included, 34 underwent reconstruction with hydroxyapatite and fat (rHAC) and 35 with fat alone (rF). rHAC was associated with fewer cranial wound superficial infection/dehiscence (0% vs 14.3%; p = 0.029) and shorter length of stay (mean ± standard deviation) (6.9 ± 7.4 vs 4.4 ± 3.7 days, p = 0.008). Postoperative subjective characterization of rHAC demonstrated improved satisfaction scores (1.38 ± 0.5 vs 1.83 ± 1; p = 0.049) and fewer reports of post-operative irregularities (11.5% vs 37.5%; p = 0.017). Conclusion The use of hydroxyapatite for cranial reconstruction after translabyrinthine approaches has improved patient satisfaction and decreased cranial defects in our small series. Postoperative complications are consistent with other described methods, but with shorter hospital stay, decreased risk of superficial wound dehiscence/infection, and a perceived superiority in preventing percutaneous post-op CSF leaks.