Endoscopic Closure of CSF Rhinorrhea: 193 cases in 21 years

Abstract

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.