351 Anterior Ethmoid Artery Septal Flap for Endoscopic Reconstruction of Frontal Sinus CSF Leak

Abstract Introduction Anterior skull base cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are managed successfully with endonasal surgery. Endoscopic closure of CSF leaks from posterior table of the frontal sinus remains challenging. Vascularized Hadad-Bassagasteguy flap (HBF) reconstruction of the skull base has increased CSF closure rates but does not extend to frontal sinus. We describe our technique using septal flap pedicled by anterior ethmoid artery (AEA) for repairing frontal defects. Method Retrospective review of cases of frontal CSF leak repair using the AEA flap reconstruction. Flap design: an anterior vertical septal mucosa incision at posterior border of the frontal sinusotomy is made and extended to nasal floor. Posterior vertical incision is made 1 cm posterior to the projection of the axilla of the middle turbinate on the septum and extended to nasal floor. A horizontal incision along the nasal floor joins the two incisions. The flap is raised and rotated into the frontal sinus over the posterior table reconstructed defect. Results Three patients identified. Two males, one female, aged 11, 33 and 56. Patient histories included recurrent bacterial meningitis following head trauma, recurrent sinusitis and fronto-ethmoidal osteoma, with intraoperative CSF leak and CSF rhinorrhea due to meningoencephalocele. The three posterior wall defects were successfully repaired endoscopically with multilayer reconstruction and the AEA septal flap. Conclusions The anterior ethmoid artery septal flap can be successfully utilised for frontal CSF leak repair. Flap is conveniently located for frontal sinus defects. When the septum is intact it provides an excellent final layer as part of multilayer reconstruction.

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Evolution of the graded repair of CSF leaks and skull base defects in endonasal endoscopic tumor surgery: trends in repair failure and meningitis rates in 509 patients

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2017.11.jns172141 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 130 (3) ◽

pp. 861-875 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Andrew Conger ◽

Fan Zhao ◽

Xiaowen Wang ◽

Amalia Eisenberg ◽

Chester Griffiths ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pituitary Adenoma ◽

Skull Base ◽

Middle Turbinate ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Skull Base Tumor ◽

Tumor Surgery ◽

Contributing Factors ◽

Skull Base Reconstruction ◽

Grade 3 ◽

Csf Leaks

OBJECTIVEThe authors previously described a graded approach to skull base repair following endonasal microscopic or endoscope-assisted tumor surgery. In this paper they review their experience with skull base reconstruction in the endoscopic era.METHODSA retrospective review of a single-institution endonasal endoscopic patient database (April 2010–April 2017) was undertaken. Intraoperative CSF leaks were graded based on size (grade 0 [no leak], 1, 2, or 3), and repair technique was documented across grades. The series was divided into 2 epochs based on implementation of a strict perioperative antibiotic protocol and more liberal use of permanent and/or temporary buttresses; repair failure rates and postoperative meningitis rates were assessed for the 2 epochs and compared.RESULTSIn total, 551 operations were performed in 509 patients for parasellar pathology, including pituitary adenoma (66%), Rathke’s cleft cyst (7%), meningioma (6%), craniopharyngioma (4%), and other (17%). Extended approaches were used in 41% of cases. There were 9 postoperative CSF leaks (1.6%) and 6 cases of meningitis (1.1%). Postoperative leak rates for all 551 operations by grade 0, 1, 2, and 3 were 0%, 1.9%, 3.1%, and 4.8%, respectively. Fat grafts were used in 33%, 84%, 97%, and 100% of grade 0, 1, 2, and 3 leaks, respectively. Pedicled mucosal flaps (78 total) were used in 2.6% of grade 0–2 leaks (combined) and 79.5% of grade 3 leaks (60 nasoseptal and 6 middle turbinate flaps). Nasoseptal flap usage was highest for craniopharyngioma operations (80%) and lowest for pituitary adenoma operations (2%). Two (3%) nasoseptal flaps failed. Contributing factors for the 9 repair failures were BMI ≥ 30 (7/9), lack of buttress (4/9), grade 3 leak (4/9), and postoperative vomiting (4/9). Comparison of the epochs showed that grade 1–3 repair failures decreased from 6/143 (4.1%) to 3/141 (2.1%) and grade 1–3 meningitis rates decreased from 5 (3.5%) to 1 (0.7%) (p = 0.08). Prophylactic lumbar CSF drainage was used in only 4 cases (< 1%), was associated with a higher meningitis rate in grades 1–3 (25% vs 2%), and was discontinued in 2012. Comparison of the 2 epochs showed increase buttress use in the second, with use of a permanent buttress in grade 1 and 3 leaks increasing from 13% to 55% and 32% to 76%, respectively (p < 0.001), and use of autologous septal/keel bone as a permanent buttress in grade 1, 2, and 3 leaks increasing from 15% to 51% (p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSA graded approach to skull base repair after endonasal surgery remains valid in the endoscopic era. However, the technique has evolved significantly, with further reduction of postoperative CSF leak rates. These data suggest that buttresses are beneficial for repair of most grade 1 and 2 leaks and all grade 3 leaks. Similarly, pedicled flaps appear advantageous for grade 3 leaks, while CSF diversion may be unnecessary and a risk factor for meningitis. High BMI should prompt an aggressive multilayered repair strategy. Achieving repair failure and meningitis rates lower than 1% is a reasonable goal in endoscopic skull base tumor surgery.

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Detection of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks Using the Endoscopic Fluorescein Test in the Post-Operative Period Following Pituitary and Ventral Skull Base Surgery

Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B Skull Base ◽

10.1055/a-1722-4433 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Peter A. Benedict ◽

Joseph R. Connors ◽

Micah R. Timen ◽

Nupur Bhatt ◽

Richard Lebowitz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽

Skull Base ◽

Postoperative Period ◽

Skull Base Surgery ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Csf Rhinorrhea ◽

Predictive Values ◽

Ventral Skull Base ◽

Csf Leaks

Objective: Diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks is sometimes challenging in the postoperative period following pituitary and ventral skull base surgery. Intrathecal fluorescein (ITF) may be useful in this setting. Design: Retrospective chart review Setting: Tertiary care center Methods and Participants: All patients who underwent pituitary and ventral skull base surgery performed by a single rhinologist between January 2017–March 2020 were included. There were 103 patients identified. Eighteen patients received 20 ITF injections due to clinical suspicion for CSF leak during the postoperative period without florid CSF rhinorrhea on clinical exam. Computed tomography scans with new or increasing intracranial air and intra-operative findings were used to confirm CSF leaks. Clinical courses were reviewed for at least 6 months after initial concern for leak as the final determinate of CSF leak. Main Outcome Measures: Specificity and safety of ITF Results: Eleven (61%) ITF patients were female and 7 (39%) were male. Average patient age was 52.50±11.89. There were 6 patients with confirmed postoperative CSF leaks, 3 of whom had evaluations with ITF. ITF use resulted in 2 true positives, 1 false negative, 17 true negatives and 0 false positives. ITF sensitivity was 67%, specificity was 100%, and positive and negative predictive values were 100% and 94.4%, respectively. There were no adverse effects from ITF use. Conclusions: Existing modalities for detecting postoperative CSF leaks suffer from suboptimal sensitivity and specificity, delayed result reporting, or limited availability. Intrathecal fluorescein represents a specific and safe test with potential utility in the postoperative setting.

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Lack of causal association between spontaneous intracranial hypotension and cranial cerebrospinal fluid leaks

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2011.12.jns111474 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 116 (4) ◽

pp. 749-754 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

Wouter I. Schievink ◽

Marc S. Schwartz ◽

M. Marcel Maya ◽

Franklin G. Moser ◽

Todd D. Rozen

Keyword(s):

Skull Base ◽

Intracranial Hypotension ◽

Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Csf Rhinorrhea ◽

Spinal Imaging ◽

Radiological Data ◽

Single Instance ◽

Csf Leakage ◽

Csf Leaks

Object Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is an important cause of headaches and an underlying spinal CSF leak can be demonstrated in most patients. Whether CSF leaks at the level of the skull base can cause spontaneous intracranial hypotension remains a matter of controversy. The authors' aim was to examine the frequency of skull base CSF leaks as the cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Methods Demographic, clinical, and radiological data were collected from a consecutive group of patients evaluated for spontaneous intracranial hypotension during a 9-year period. Results Among 273 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for spontaneous intracranial hypotension and 42 who did not, not a single instance of CSF leak at the skull base was encountered. Clear nasal drainage was reported by 41 patients, but a diagnosis of CSF rhinorrhea could not be established. Four patients underwent exploratory surgery for presumed CSF rhinorrhea. In addition, the authors treated 3 patients who had a postoperative CSF leak at the skull base following the resection of a cerebellopontine angle tumor and developed orthostatic headaches; spinal imaging, however, demonstrated the presence of a spinal source of CSF leakage in all 3 patients. Conclusions There is no evidence for an association between spontaneous intracranial hypotension and CSF leaks at the level of the skull base. Moreover, the authors' study suggests that a spinal source for CSF leakage should even be suspected in patients with orthostatic headaches who have a documented skull base CSF leak.

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Purely endoscopic pterional extradural approach: A novel technique for repair of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea

Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice ◽

10.4103/0976-3147.176182 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 07 (02) ◽

pp. 310-313 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ajit Kumar Sinha ◽

Sumit Goyal

Keyword(s):

Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽

Neurological Deficit ◽

Frontal Sinus ◽

Intraoperative Complications ◽

Posterior Wall ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Csf Rhinorrhea ◽

Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea ◽

Novel Technique ◽

Extradural Approach

ABSTRACT Study Design: Retrospective descriptive study of an innovative surgical technique. Objective: To assess the feasibility and success of repair of transfrontal sinus cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea through pterional transcranial extradural approach using endoscope. Summary of Background Data: Repair of CSF rhinorrhea has seen advancement with the evolution of endoscopic transnasal techniques. However, leaks from defect in the posterior wall of frontal sinus still remain a challenge for the skull base surgeons and requires conventional craniotomy more often. We describe a novel technique to repair these leaks by purely endoscopic pterional extradural (PEPE) approach thereby avoiding complications associated with conventional craniotomy and endoscopic transnasal approaches. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients with traumatic CSF rhinorrhea from the posterior wall of frontal sinus underwent repair with the present technique. They were followed up for 6–18 months and were evaluated for feasibility of procedure, recurrence of leak, and occurrence of the fresh neurological deficit. Results: Thirty-five patients underwent CSF rhinorrhea repair using the above technique. The procedure was accomplished in all patients without any intraoperative complications. There was no requirement of blood transfusion in any case. All patients had a cessation of CSF leak in the postoperative period, and there was no recurrence. There was no evidence of frontal lobe retraction injury in any of these patients, and no fresh neurological deficit was observed. Conclusion: This PEPE approach to repair CSF leak through the posterior wall of the frontal sinus is a novel technique in which we can avoid disadvantages associated with both conventional craniotomy as well as transnasal endoscopic approaches.

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Excavating Meningoencephaloceles: A Newly Recognized Entity

American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy ◽

10.2500/ajra.2017.31.4413 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 31 (2) ◽

pp. 127-134 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Patricia A. Loftus ◽

Sarah K. Wise ◽

Pedram Daraei ◽

Kristen Baugnon ◽

John M. DelGaudio

Keyword(s):

Ct Scan ◽

Skull Base ◽

Operating Room ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Distinct Type ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Csf Rhinorrhea ◽

Skull Base Defect ◽

Skull Base Defects ◽

Csf Leaks

Background Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are largely attributed to idiopathic intracranial hypertension and typically present as skull base defects with or without prolapse of intracranial contents. However, in our practice, we have encountered a distinct type of spontaneous CSF leak that presents in a different manner. Objective To discuss a newly-classified, difficult to treat, subset of spontaneous CSF leaks that present as excavation of the bone of the skull base in a tunnel- or canal-like fashion by a meningocele or meningoencephalocele instead of as a localized area of bony dehiscence. Methods A retrospective review was performed at a tertiary care rhinology practice to identify a subset of CSF leak patients with an excavating/canal-like skull base defect visualized radiographically on computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging and/or endoscopically in the operating room. Results The cohort of patients consisted of 7 females and 1 male with an average age of 53.6 years and a self-reported race of 4:3:1 African-American: Caucasian-Indian. All patients presented with CSF rhinorrhea. The most common leak site was the cribriform and upper septum. Six of the 8 patients had multiple defects and/or progression of their skull base defects, and 5 patients required multiple and/or repeat repairs in the operating room. Seven of the 8 patients underwent a cisternogram because the excavating nature of the leaks made it difficult to identify the specific leak site on high-resolution CT scan alone. Conclusion In spontaneous CSF leaks that are difficult to identify or recur soon after a proper repair, an excavating pattern should be considered. Failure to recognize this type of leak and all of its tributaries, to fully unroof the excavated bone to completely resect the meningocele, and to visualize and close the site of origin will likely result in failure and recurrence of CSF leak.

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Endoscopic Closure of CSF Rhinorrhea: 193 cases in 21 years

Otolaryngology ◽

10.1016/j.otohns.2008.05.244 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 139 (2_suppl) ◽

pp. P76-P76

Author(s):

Caroline Amber Banks ◽

David W Kennedy ◽

James N Palmer ◽

Alexander G Chiu ◽

Bert W O'Malley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Success Rate ◽

Large Series ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Graft Material ◽

Recurrence Rates ◽

Csf Rhinorrhea ◽

Endoscopic Closure ◽

History Of ◽

Csf Leaks

Objective Over the past 2 decades, endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks has become a routine treatment. The goal of this study is to describe endoscopic closure of a large series of traumatic and spontaneous CSF leaks over a 21-year period, focusing on perioperative management, surgical technique, and long-term outcomes. Methods Retrospective chart review of CSF leak patients treated by the senior author and at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania from 1987 to 2008. The data analyzed included BMI, etiology, defect location, graft material, presence of encephalocele, use of lumbar drain, history of meningitis, evidence of intracranial hypertension, recurrence rates, and follow-up. Results 193 cases were identified. Follow-up ranging from 1 month to 9 years (mean 20 months) was available on 166 patients. The etiology was spontaneous in 77 patients (40%), traumatic in 109 (56%), and congenital in 7 patients (4%). The average BMI of spontaneous CSF leak patients (35) was significantly greater (p<0.001) than both traumatic (30) and congenital patients (23). Defects were most commonly located in the sphenoid sinus (n = 62, 32%) and the ethmoid roof (n = 60, 31%). The initial success rate was 88% (n = 170) and the overall success rate was 98% (n = 190). 45 patients (23%) had a history of meningitis, and 4 patients (2%) developed meningitis after repair. Conclusions The overall success rate (98%) and low incidence of morbidity in this large series strongly support the endoscopic approach as standard of care for CSF leak closure.

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Vascularized middle turbinate mucoperiosteal flap in skull base defects: follow-up analysis of 20 cases

International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery ◽

10.18203/issn.2454-5929.ijohns20164786 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 71 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Shibu George ◽

Sandeep Suresh

Keyword(s):

Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽

Skull Base ◽

Middle Turbinate ◽

Benign Intracranial Hypertension ◽

Nasoseptal Flap ◽

Csf Rhinorrhea ◽

Endoscopic Closure ◽

Mucoperiosteal Flap ◽

Skull Base Defects

Background: Vascularized flaps are preferred in repair of skull base defects since they provide quality tissue volume and allow rapid healing. Though nasoseptal flap is the gold standard it may not be available always and has its own share of pitfalls; this makes the middle turbinate flap a viable alternative. This descriptive study was designed to analyze the efficacy of middle turbinate flap in endoscopic closure of skull base defects and to define indications and limitations of the flap.Methods: 20 patients who underwent endoscopic closure of small and medium sized skull base defects using middle turbinate mucoperiosteal flap were analyzed and followed up. Etiology, presentation, site and co-morbidities associated with such defects were studied. Effectiveness of closure was analyzed by the ability to cover fully, graft uptake and complications. Results: Successful flap take up was noted in all 20 cases (100%) on long term follow up; transient cerebrospinal fluid leak was observed in 1case (5%) during the immediate post-operative period which subsided fully. Spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea (n=11 [55%]) was the most common indication for closure and unilateral watery rhinorrhea was the commonest presentation (n=13 [65%]). Benign intracranial hypertension was found to have significant association with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. Most common site of leak was the medial lamella of cribriform plate (n=11 [55%]).Conclusions: Middle turbinate flap is an effective alternative to nasoseptal flap for small and medium sized anterior skull base defects; efficacy in larger defects and posterior sellar defects cannot be substantiated.

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Endoscopic endonasal repair of anterior skull base non-traumatic cerebrospinal fluid leaks, meningoceles, and encephaloceles

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2009.10.jns08986 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 113 (5) ◽

pp. 961-966 ◽

Cited By ~ 68

Author(s):

Gurston G. Nyquist ◽

Vijay K. Anand ◽

Saral Mehra ◽

Ashutosh Kacker ◽

Theodore H. Schwartz

Keyword(s):

Skull Base ◽

Frontal Sinus ◽

Anterior Skull Base ◽

Cribriform Plate ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach ◽

Endonasal Approach ◽

Closure Rate ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Csf Leaks

Object The endoscopic endonasal approach has become the preferred technique for CSF leak and encephalocele repair of the anterior skull base. The purpose of this study is to identify patient characteristics; review adjunctive perioperative treatments, reconstruction techniques, and outcomes; and identify risk factors for failure in patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal repair of anterior skull base CSF leaks and encephaloceles. Methods This is a prospective observational study of patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal repair of a CSF leak between October 2004 and May 2009. Twenty-eight consecutive patients underwent 32 procedures. Twenty-two of the patients were women, which represents a statistically significant trend toward the female sex (p < 0.05). The average body mass index (33.9) was significant for obesity. The origin of the skull base defect included the cribriform plate (in 9 cases), fovea ethmoidalis (in 7), combined fovea ethmoidalis/cribriform plate (in 2), lateral sphenoid sinus (in 6), sella (in 4), clivus (in 3), and frontal sinus (in 1). Results The overall endonasal closure rate was 93.8% (30 of 32 procedures). One failure occurred due to overaggressive postoperative debridement, while the other recurred along the posterior wall of the frontal sinus, and endoscopic repair would have occluded the recess. Conclusions The endoscopic endonasal approach for the treatment of CSF leaks and encephaloceles of the anterior skull base is the preferred method of repair in the vast majority of cases. The authors' 93.8% closure rate in a variety of anatomical locations compares favorably with the transcranial approach and echoes the results of other endoscopic series.

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Pneumocephalus patterns following endonasal endoscopic skull base surgery as predictors of postoperative CSF leaks

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2014.5.jns132028 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 121 (4) ◽

pp. 961-975 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Matei A. Banu ◽

Oszkar Szentirmai ◽

Lino Mascarenhas ◽

Al Amin Salek ◽

Vijay K. Anand ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Learning Curve ◽

Skull Base ◽

Skull Base Surgery ◽

Postoperative Management ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Histopathological Diagnosis ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Postoperative Imaging ◽

Interhemispheric Fissure ◽

Csf Leaks

Object Postoperative pneumocephalus is a common occurrence after endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery (ESBS). The risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks can be high and the presence of postoperative pneumocephalus associated with serosanguineous nasal drainage may raise suspicion for a CSF leak. The authors hypothesized that specific patterns of pneumocephalus on postoperative imaging could be predictive of CSF leaks. Identification of these patterns could guide the postoperative management of patients undergoing ESBS. Methods The authors queried a prospectively acquired database of 526 consecutive ESBS cases at a single center between December 1, 2003, and May 31, 2012, and identified 258 patients with an intraoperative CSF leak documented using intrathecal fluorescein. Postoperative CT and MRI scans obtained within 1–10 days were examined and pneumocephalus was graded based on location and amount. A discrete 0–4 scale was used to classify pneumocephalus patterns based on size and morphology. Pneumocephalus was correlated with the surgical approach, histopathological diagnosis, and presence of a postoperative CSF leak. Results The mean follow-up duration was 56.7 months. Of the 258 patients, 102 (39.5%) demonstrated pneumocephalus on postoperative imaging. The most frequent location of pneumocephalus was frontal (73 [71.5%] of 102), intraventricular (34 [33.3%]), and convexity (22 [21.6%]). Patients with craniopharyngioma (27 [87%] of 31) and meningioma (23 [68%] of 34) had the highest incidence of postoperative pneumocephalus compared with patients with pituitary adenomas (29 [20.6%] of 141) (p < 0.0001). The incidence of pneumocephalus was higher with transcribriform and transethmoidal approaches (8 of [73%] 11) than with a transsellar approach (9 of [7%] 131). There were 15 (5.8%) of 258 cases of postoperative CSF leak, of which 10 (66.7%) had pneumocephalus, compared with 92 (38%) of 243 patients without a postoperative CSF leak (OR 3.3, p = 0.027). Pneumocephalus located in the convexity, interhemispheric fissure, sellar region, parasellar region, and perimesencephalic region was significantly correlated with a postoperative CSF leak (OR 4.9, p = 0.006) and was therefore termed “suspicious” pneumocephalus. In contrast, frontal or intraventricular pneumocephalus was not correlated with postoperative CSF leak (not significant) and was defined as “benign” pneumocephalus. The amount of convexity pneumocephalus (p = 0.002), interhemispheric pneumocephalus (p = 0.005), and parasellar pneumocephalus (p = 0.007) (determined using a scale score of 0–4) was also significantly related to postoperative CSF leaks. Using a series of permutation-based multivariate analyses, the authors established that a model containing the learning curve, the transclival/transcavernous approach, and the presence of “suspicious” pneumocephalus provides the best overall prediction for postoperative CSF leaks. Conclusions Postoperative pneumocephalus is much more common following extended approaches than following transsellar surgery. Merely the presence of pneumocephalus, particularly in the frontal or intraventricular locations, is not necessarily associated with a postoperative CSF leak. A “suspicious” pattern of air, namely pneumocephalus in the convexity, interhemispheric fissure, sella, parasellar, or perimesencephalic locations, is significantly associated with a postoperative CSF leak. The presence and the score of “suspicious” pneumocephalus on postoperative imaging, in conjunction with the learning curve and the type of endoscopic approach, provide the best predictive model for postoperative CSF leaks.

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Identification and repair of intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks in endonasal transsphenoidal pituitary surgery: surgical experience in a series of 1002 patients

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2017.4.jns162451 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 129 (2) ◽

pp. 425-429 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Ben A. Strickland ◽

Joshua Lucas ◽

Brianna Harris ◽

Edwin Kulubya ◽

Joshua Bakhsheshian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽

Pituitary Adenomas ◽

Transsphenoidal Approach ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Sellar Region ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Csf Rhinorrhea ◽

Sellar Lesions ◽

Sellar Reconstruction ◽

Csf Leaks

OBJECTIVECerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is among the most common complications following transsphenoidal surgery for sellar region lesions. The aim of this study was to review the authors’ institutional experience in identifying, repairing, and treating CSF leaks associated with direct endonasal transsphenoidal operations.METHODSThe authors performed a retrospective review of cases involving surgical treatment of pituitary adenomas and other sellar lesions at the University of Southern California between December 1995 and March 2016. Inclusion criteria included all pathology of the sellar region approached via a direct microscopic or endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach. Demographics, pathology, intraoperative and postoperative CSF leak rates, and other complications were recorded and analyzed. A literature review of the incidence of CSF leaks associated with the direct endonasal transsphenoidal approach to pituitary lesions was conducted.RESULTSA total of 1002 patients met the inclusion criteria and their cases were subsequently analyzed. Preoperative diagnoses included pituitary adenomas in 855 cases (85.4%), Rathke’s cleft cyst in 94 (9.4%), and other sellar lesions in 53 (5.2%). Lesions with a diameter ≥ 1 cm made up 49% of the series. Intraoperative repair of an identified CSF leak was performed in 375 cases (37.4%) using autologous fat, fascia, or both. An additional 92 patients (9.2%) underwent empirical sellar reconstruction without evidence of an intraoperative CSF leak. Postoperative CSF leaks developed in 26 patients (2.6%), including 13 (1.3% of the overall group) in whom no intraoperative leak was identified. Among the 26 patients who developed a postoperative CSF leak, 13 were noted to have intraoperative leak and underwent sellar repair while the remaining 13 did not have an intraoperative leak or sellar repair. No patients who underwent empirical sellar repair without an intraoperative leak developed a postoperative leak. Eight patients underwent additional surgery (0.8% reoperation rate) for CSF leak repair, and 18 were successfully treated with lumbar drainage or lumbar puncture alone. The incidence of postoperative CSF rhinorrhea in this series was compared with that in 11 other reported series that met inclusion criteria, with incidence rates ranging between 0.6% and 12.1%.CONCLUSIONSIn this large series, half of the patients who developed postoperative CSF rhinorrhea had no evidence of intraoperative CSF leakage. Unidentified intraoperative CSF leaks and/or delayed development of CSF fistulas are equally important sources of postoperative CSF rhinorrhea as the lack of employing effective CSF leak repair methods. Empirical sellar reconstruction in the absence of an intraoperative CSF leak may be of benefit following resection of large tumors, especially if the arachnoid is thinned out and herniates into the sella.

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