“Single-step” resection and cranio-orbital reconstruction for spheno-orbital metastasis with custom made implant. A case report and review of the literature

Highlights

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  Skull Base Metastases need multidisciplinary treatment.

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  Surgical decompression has a decisive role in relieving neurological symptoms and improving Quality of Life.

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  The virtual planning step consists of a phantom-base procedure with the aid of Stealth Navigation.

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  New generations of custom-made PolyMethyl MethAcrylate (PMMA) cranioplasty allow a quick access to complementary therapies.

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  Stealth navigation during the surgical step allows a precise tumor resection and drives to an accurate cranial reconstruction.

Abstract

Introduction and importance

Brain metastasis involving the skull base is a rare complication of malignant tumors. Besides radiotherapy, surgical treatment is a therapeutical option even though it may apply complex technical procedures that may delay complementary therapies. However, in recent days, the innovation of custom-made implants allows treating selected patients with fewer complications and better results.

Case presentation

We describe a single case of a complex fronto-orbital skull base metastasis requiring skull bone reconstruction that we treated with a single-step surgery and custom-made implant. Our procedure consists of two steps: in the first one, we perform a “virtual” craniotomy on a 3D phantom model previously built on a high-resolution bone CT scan. In the second step, the actual surgical procedure, the patient undergoes the resection and reconstruction of the cranial defect with an implant of PMMA custom-made cranioplasty. A three-month clinical and radiological follow-up is reported, which documented the extent of resection and good aesthetic results.

Clinical discussion

In our case, we performed a skull reconstruction of cranio-orbital region with macroscopic gross-total resection of the tumor. Complementary radiotherapy was obtained after one month. Three-month follow-up showed good esthetic results and progression-free disease. A recent review of the literature is provided to discuss different reconstruction techniques.

Conclusion

“Single-Step” resection and custom-made reconstruction is a relatively new technique that could be helpful not only for benign tumors, which remains its main application but also in selected cases of malignant tumors when immediate reconstruction and faster complementary treatments are needed.