Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and pseudomeningocele formation after posterior fossa tumor resection in children: a retrospective analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of pseudomeningocele and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak after posterior fossa tumor surgery and to analyze factors that may be associated with these conditions. In particular, we wished to determine if there was evidence to support the hypothesis that the use of tissue glue, dural grafts, or external ventricular drainage (EVD) prevented CSF from leaking outside the closed dura. A retrospective chart review was carried out of posterior fossa tumor resections at British Columbia's Children's Hospital. Information was collected regarding tumor location, surgical approach, CSF diversion, dural grafting, and use of tissue glue. Multiple univariate analyses and step-wise logistic regression were performed to identify factors associated with pseudomeningocele formation or CSF leak. A pseudomeningocele was said to be present if it was noted in the clinical records or if a fluid collection was present superficial to the craniotomy flap on a postoperative CT or MR scan. Out of 174 posterior fossa operations, 53 pseudomeningoceles with or without CSF leak were identified along with five CSF leaks in the absence of pseudomeningocele (33%). None of the factors examined reached statistical significance, although there was a trend towards higher rates in patients with external CSF drainage (P=0.06631), dural graft usage (p=0.06492), and patients in whom tissue glue was used (p=0.06181). On logistic regression, only tissue glue use and external CSF drainage were associated with increased incidence of pseudomeningocele and/or CSF leak. In this retrospective study, the use of tissue glue, dural grafts, and external ventricular drainage was not associated with a reduced rate of clinically or radiologically diagnosed pseudomeningocele formation or postoperative CSF leak. The results of this study provide a basis for planning a randomized controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of tissue glue and/or dural grafting in preventing these complications.