Evaluation of endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea

Abstract

Introduction: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea is a leakage of CSF fluid from the subarachnoid space through the frontal, sphenoidal or ethmoidal sinuses to the nose. Methods: In this study we present our experience in endoscopic repair of 55 cases of CSF rhinorrhoea who were operated endoscopically trans-nasally. Results: The success rate of the procedure in preventing CSF leak after the first endoscopic repair was 85.5% which increased to 90.9% following the second endoscopic repair in patients with persistent leak. Conclusion: Endoscopic approach in repair of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea is remarkably well tolerated and complication rates are low, including the risk for haemorrhage, infection, and graft failure.

Keywords

• Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea
• Endoscopic repair
• Skull base defect