Management and Implications of Intraoperative Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak in Transnasoseptal Transsphenoidal Microsurgery

2011 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. ons144-ons151 ◽  
Author(s):  
George J. Kaptain ◽  
Adam S. Kanter ◽  
David K. Hamilton ◽  
Edward R. Laws
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Visual Function ◽  
Transsphenoidal Surgery ◽  
Visual Loss ◽  
Fat Graft ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Csf Rhinorrhea ◽  
Graft Harvest ◽  
Additional Surgery ◽  
Sellar Reconstruction

Abstract BACKGROUND: Nonvascularized autologous grafts used for sellar reconstruction in transseptal transsphenoidal surgery are commonly applied in the setting of intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and have been shown to be effective in preventing postoperative complications. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical implications of intraoperative CSF leak, to evaluate the efficacy of repair techniques using autologous nonvascularized materials, and to analyze the nature and timing of failures. These data may serve as a basis for assessing the utility of innovations in techniques and implant technologies. METHODS: A review was conducted of 257 consecutive patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery that was complicated by intraoperative CSF leak from 1995 to 2001. Sellar reconstruction was performed with autologous materials except in reoperations in which septal materials were not available; lumbar drain catheters were used selectively. RESULTS: Six of the 257 patients (2.3%) developed postoperative CSF rhinorrhea occurring an average of 6.6 days after surgery. All 6 underwent reoperation, with 5 of 6 managed with operative lumbar drainage. Bacterial meningitis developed in 3 of 257 (1.2%). Worsening in visual function occurred in 8 of 257 (3.1%), with 1 of 257 (0.3%) suffering from permanent worsening of visual function. Additional surgery was performed in 2 of these patients, resulting in successful reversal of visual loss. Ten of 257 patients (3.9%) developed a subcutaneous hematoma at the fat graft harvest site, with 1 patient requiring surgical re-exploration. CONCLUSIONS: Watertight closure of the sella with autologous materials is effective in preventing postoperative rhinorrhea. Complications specific to the technique include graft site hematoma (4%) and rare instances of visual loss caused by optic nerve compression.

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

2018 ◽  
Vol 129 (2) ◽  
pp. 425-429 ◽  
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.

Prevention of Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea After Transsphenoidal Surgery by Collagen Fleece Coated With Fibrin Sealant Without Autologous Tissue Graft or Postoperative Lumbar Drainage

2011 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. ons130-ons137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Mo Cho ◽  
Jung Yong Ahn ◽  
Jong Hee Chang ◽  
Sun Ho Kim
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Fibrin Sealant ◽  
Transsphenoidal Surgery ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Autologous Tissue ◽  
Csf Rhinorrhea ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea ◽  
Tissue Graft ◽  
Csf Leakage ◽  
Sellar Floor

Abstract BACKGROUND: Autologous tissue grafting and postoperative lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage (PLD) have been used to prevent CSF rhinorrhea after transsphenoidal surgery. OBJECTIVE: To describe the technical details and efficacy of our techniques of using collagen fleece coated with fibrin sealant (TachoComb, Nycomed, Linz, Austria) instead of an autologous tissue graft and refraining from the use of PLD. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 307 consecutive patients who underwent a transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma from November 2005 to February 2008. Among them, 90 cases of intraoperative CSF leaks were repaired with TachoComb without an autologous tissue graft or PLD. The repair procedures were tailored according to CSF leakage type, and we used only Bioglue (Cryolife Inc, Atlanta, Georgia) for sellar floor reconstruction. RESULTS: The overall rate of CSF rhinorrhea was 2.2% (2 of 90 cases). The 2 cases of CSF rhinorrhea resulted from large arachnoid defects, and there were no adverse effects from TachoComb such as transmission of viral disease or infection. CONCLUSION: Our technique is an alternative method to the traditional autologous tissue graft technique. PLD is not an essential procedure for the prevention of CSF rhinorrhea if the intraoperative CSF leak is completely sealed off during the transsphenoidal surgery. However, in cases of large arachnoid defects, aggressive repair of the arachnoid defect and sellar floor reconstruction with bone or bony substitutes should be considered in conjunction with our methods.

Collagen Sponge Repair of Small Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks Obviates Tissue Grafts and Cerebrospinal Fluid Diversion after Pituitary Surgery

Neurosurgery ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 885-890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel F. Kelly ◽  
R. Jamshid Oskouian ◽  
Igor Fineman
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Transsphenoidal Surgery ◽  
Collagen Sponge ◽  
Fat Graft ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Tumor Removal ◽  
Lumbar Drain ◽  
Tissue Grafts ◽  
Sellar Floor ◽  
Csf Leaks

Abstract OBJECTIVE Repair of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak created at the time of transsphenoidal surgery typically involves placement of a fat, fascial, or muscle graft and sellar floor reconstruction. In this report, a simplified repair for small, “weeping” CSF leaks using collagen sponge is described. METHODS All patients underwent an endonasal transsphenoidal procedure using the operating microscope. At the completion of tumor removal, if a small CSF leak was noted but no obvious large arachnoidal defect was present, a piece of collagen sponge was fashioned to cover the exposed diaphragma sellae. Titanium mesh was then wedged into the intrasellar, extradural space and a larger piece of collagen was placed over the reconstructed sellar floor. Nasal packing was removed within 24 hours. RESULTS During an 18-month period, 62 consecutive transsphenoidal procedures were performed for tumor removal. Of 20 patients with a small CSF leak (18 pituitary adenomas, 1 Rathke's cleft cyst, and 1 chordoma), all had successful repair with collagen sponge. At follow-up examinations at 1 to 18 months, no patient had required a lumbar drain or had developed meningitis. One other patient had a large intraoperative arachnoidal defect that was unsuccessfully repaired with the collagen sponge technique; in this patient, a second operation was required with a fat graft, sellar floor reconstruction, and lumbar drainage. CONCLUSION A simplified repair of small CSF leaks after transsphenoidal surgery using a two-layered collagen sponge technique with sellar floor reinforcement is thought to be safe and effective and obviates the need for tissue grafts, fibrin glue, or lumbar drain placement.

Prevention of intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks by lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drainage during surgery for pituitary macroadenomas

2012 ◽  
Vol 116 (6) ◽  
pp. 1299-1303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gautam U. Mehta ◽  
Edward H. Oldfield
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Transsphenoidal Surgery ◽  
Surgical Repair ◽  
Fat Graft ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Drainage ◽  
Csf Drainage ◽  
Csf Leakage ◽  
Csf Leaks

Object Cerebrospinal fluid leakage is a major complication of transsphenoidal surgery. An intraoperative CSF leak, which occurs in up to 50% of pituitary tumor cases, is the only modifiable risk factor for postoperative leaks. Although several techniques have been described for surgical repair when an intraoperative leak is noted, none has been proposed to prevent an intraoperative CSF leak. The authors postulated that intraoperative CSF drainage would diminish tension on the arachnoid, decrease the rate of intraoperative CSF leakage during surgery for larger tumors, and reduce the need for surgical repair of CSF leaks. Methods The results of 114 transsphenoidal operations for pituitary macroadenoma performed without intraoperative CSF drainage were compared with the findings from 44 cases in which a lumbar subarachnoid catheter was placed before surgery to drain CSF at the time of dural exposure and tumor removal. Results Cerebrospinal fluid drainage reduced the rate of intraoperative CSF leakage from 41% to 5% (p < 0.001). This reduction occurred in macroadenomas with (from 57% to 5%, p < 0.001) and those without suprasellar extension (from 29% to 0%, p = 0.31). The rate of postoperative CSF leakage was similar (5% vs 5%), despite the fact that intraoperative CSF drainage reduced the need for operative repair (from 32% to 5%, p < 0.001). There were no significant catheter-related complications. Conclusions Cerebrospinal fluid drainage during transsphenoidal surgery for macroadenomas reduces the rate of intraoperative CSF leaks. This preventative measure obviated the need for surgical repair of intraoperative CSF leaks using autologous fat graft placement, other operative techniques, postoperative lumbar drainage, and/or reoperation in most patients and is associated with minimal risks.

scholarly journals Use of the Hadad-Bassagasteguy Flap for Repair of Recurrent Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak after Prior Transsphenoidal Surgery

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. ar.2013.4.0072 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Brunworth ◽  
Tina Lin ◽  
David B. Keschner ◽  
Rohit Garg ◽  
Jivianne T. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Transsphenoidal Surgery ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Pedicled Flap ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Csf Rhinorrhea ◽  
Csf Drainage ◽  
Advanced Planning ◽  
Csf Leaks

The Hadad-Bassagasteguy vascularized nasoseptal pedicled flap (HBF) is an effective technique for reconstruction of skull base defects with low incidence of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Advanced planning is required as posterior septectomy during transsphenoidal surgery can preclude its use due to destruction of the vascular pedicle. We present four cases in which the HBF was successfully used to repair recurrent CSF leaks despite prior posterior septectomy and transsphenoidal surgery. A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who developed recurrent CSF leak after transsphenoidal surgery over a 7-year period (2006–2013). Data were collected regarding demographics, clinical presentation, intraoperative findings, and surgical outcomes. Four patients who developed recurrent CSF drainage after transsphenoidal surgery were managed with HBF reconstruction during the study period. Two were men and two were women with a mean age of 37 years (range, 24–48 years). All had previously undergone resection of a pituitary macroadenoma via a transsphenoidal approach, with intraoperative CSF leaks repaired using multilayered free grafts. Recurrent CSF rhinorrhea arose 0.37–12 months (mean, 2.98 months) after the initial pituitary surgery. Active CSF drainage could be visualized intraoperatively with posterior septal perforations present. The HBF was successfully used in all cases, with no evidence of recurrent CSF leak after a mean follow-up of 2.35 years. The HBF may be salvaged for repair of recurrent CSF leaks even in the context of prior posterior septectomy and transsphenoidal surgery. However, longer follow-up is necessary to determine the long-term efficacy of this procedure in such revision cases.

scholarly journals Simple closure following transsphenoidal surgery

2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
William T. Couldwell ◽  
Peter Kan ◽  
Martin H. Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Transsphenoidal Surgery ◽  
Operative Time ◽  
Sella Turcica ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Simple Closure ◽  
Autologous Fat ◽  
Csf Leakage ◽  
Muscle Fascia ◽  
Sellar Reconstruction

✓ The most common nonendocrine complication after transsphenoidal surgery is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Many neurosurgeons have advocated the routine reconstruction of the floor of the sella turcica using autologous fat, muscle, fascia, and either cartilage or bone after transsphenoidal surgery to prevent postoperative CSF fistulas. However, the use of autologous grafting requires a second incision, prolongs operative time, and adds to the patient's postoperative discomfort. In addition, the presence of sellar packing may interfere with the interpretation of postoperative images. To avoid these disadvantages, the authors suggest that routine sellar reconstruction or closure after transsphenoidal surgery is unnecessary unless an intraoperative CSF leak is encountered. The incidence of postoperative CSF leakage in the patients reported on in this series is no higher than that reported by others, and no other complications such as pneu-matocele have been encountered in approximately 2700 patients in whom no intraoperative CSF leak was encountered. The authors conclude that routine closure of the floor of the sella turcica or sphenoid is unnecessary in the absence of intraoperative CSF leak.

The Use of Methylene Blue Staining Test in Determining the CSF Leaks Location of the Anterior Skull Base

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 1376-1377
Author(s):  
Razvan Hainarosie ◽  
Teodora Ghindea ◽  
Irina Gabriela Ionita ◽  
Mura Hainarosie ◽  
Cristian Dragos Stefanescu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Methylene Blue ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Intrathecal Injection ◽  
Diagnostic Procedures ◽  
Blue Staining ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Glucose Content ◽  
Csf Rhinorrhea ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea ◽  
Csf Leakage

Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea represents drainage of cerebrospinal fluid into the nasal cavity. The first steps in diagnosing CSF rhinorrhea are a thorough history and physical examination of the patient. Other diagnostic procedures are the double ring sign, glucose content of the nasal fluid, Beta-trace protein test or beta 2-transferrin. To establish the exact location of the defect imagistic examinations are necessary. However, the gold standard CSF leakage diagnostic method is an intrathecal injection of fluorescein with the endoscopic identification of the defect. In this paper we analyze a staining test, using Methylene Blue solution, to identify the CSF leak�s location.

scholarly journals Iatrogenic cerebrospinal fluid leak after repeated nasal swab tests for COVID-19: illustrative case

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (17) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johnson Ku ◽  
Chieh-Yi Chen ◽  
Jason Ku ◽  
Hsuan-Kan Chang ◽  
Jau-Ching Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Nasal Cavity ◽  
Nasal Swab ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak ◽  
Cribriform Plate ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Csf Rhinorrhea ◽  
Csf Leakage

BACKGROUND Nasal swab tests are one of the most essential tools for screening coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The authors report a rare case of iatrogenic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak from the anterior skull base after repeated nasal swab tests for COVID-19, which was treated with endoscopic endonasal repair. OBSERVATIONS A 41-year-old man presented with clear continuous rhinorrhea through his left nostril for 5 days after repeated nasal swabbing for COVID-19. There were no obvious risk factors for spontaneous CSF leak. Computed tomography cisternography showed contrast accumulation in the left olfactory fossa and along the left nasal cavity. Such findings aligned with a preliminary diagnosis of CSF leakage through the left cribriform plate. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of a CSF fistula between his left cribriform plate and superior nasal concha. The patient underwent endoscopic endonasal repair. CSF rhinorrhea ceased after the surgery, and no recurrence was noted during the 12-week postoperative follow-up period. LESSONS Although rare, iatrogenic CSF leakage can be a serious complication following COVID-19 nasal swab tests, especially when infection may cause significant neurological sequelae. Healthcare providers should become familiar with nasal cavity anatomy and be well trained in performing nasal swab tests.

Universal Sellar Anatomical Reconstruction Using the Sellar Floor Flap after Endoscopic Pituitary Adenoma Surgery

2018 ◽  
Vol 158 (4) ◽  
pp. 774-776 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zixiang Cong ◽  
Kaidong Liu ◽  
Guodao Wen ◽  
Liang Qiao ◽  
Handong Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Pituitary Adenoma ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Anatomical Reconstruction ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Reconstructive Technique ◽  
Sellar Reconstruction ◽  
Sellar Floor ◽  
Csf Leaks

Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks still occur in patients without intraoperative CSF leaks after endoscopic endonasal pituitary adenoma surgery. We propose a reconstructive technique, the sellar floor flap (SFF), for universal sellar anatomical reconstruction. A total of 113 patients without intraoperative CSF leaks after endoscopic endonasal pituitary adenoma surgery from July 2013 to June 2016 were reviewed: 43 underwent sellar reconstruction with the SFF (the SFF group) and 70 underwent sellar packing only (the nonreconstruction group). No case of postoperative CSF leak was reported in the SFF group, whereas 7 cases were reported in the nonreconstruction group ( P < .05). The SFF is suitable for universal reconstruction after endoscopic endonasal pituitary adenoma surgery and may decrease postoperative CSF leak.

Endoscopic Repair of Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea: Learning from Our Failures

2001 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 333-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Castelnuovo ◽  
Silvia Mauri ◽  
Davide Locatelli ◽  
Enzo Emanuelli ◽  
Giovanni Delù ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Success Rate ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Graft Material ◽  
Literature Analysis ◽  
Endoscopic Repair ◽  
Common Procedure ◽  
Csf Rhinorrhea ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea

Endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is becoming a common procedure. The purpose of this study was to perform a literature analysis centering cases of treatment failure and to review our 31 cases with a 1-year minimum follow-up. An extensive search of the literature was conducted, which focused on success rate, follow-up, diagnostic techniques, graft material used, failure rate, and comments on failures. A retrospective analysis of our 31 patients was carried out, and all cases were treated with the endoscopic approach with a 1-year minimum follow-up. From the literature analysis, the median success rate at the first endoscopic attempt is 90%. Our success rate was 87.1%. Failures were analyzed. A unique protocol for CSF leak diagnosis does not exist; we suggest our diagnostic algorithm. Graft material used depends on the authors’ experience, and based on this review of cases to date, did not significantly influence the success rate. The analysis of cases of failure shows that the majority of authors omit details. More research is needed to improve prevention of failures.

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