OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the possibility and surgical principle of titanium mesh used for the reconstruction of skull base bone defect.

METHODSThe clinical data of 11 patients with defect of skull base bone repaired with titanium mesh were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTSAmong 11 patients, there were 6 patients with skull base tumor, 3 patients with fibrosis hyperplasia, 2 patients with encephalomeningocele. The surgical approach included craniofacial approach in 7 patients, transfrontal and extended transfrontal approach in 3 patients, trans-midface approach in 1 patient. The anterior and lateral skull base was repaired in 2 patients, anterior and middle skull base and sellar repaired in 6 patients, anterior skull base and orbital floor repaired in 3 patients. In early postoperative period, there were 3 patients with intracranial pneumatosis, but without symptom, and 1 patient with transient cerebrospinal leakage. Following-up for average 14.4 months, there was no titanium mesh displacement and intracranial infection in all patients.

CONCLUSIONSThe titanium mesh used for the repair of skull base bone defect was both possible and safe.