Recurrent Leak Research Articles

The Impact of Venous Stenting for Patients with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension and Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak on Symptoms and Quality of Life

BACKGROUND: Elevated intracranial pressure can cause skull base defects and a spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF). Venous sinus stenting (VSS) has emerged as a promising treatment option for patients with a CSF leak in the setting of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). There is a lack of literature on symptomatology and quality of life (QOL) after VSS for IIH patients with a CSF leak. This study explores the effects of VSS on symptoms and QOL in IIH patients with a CSF leak. METHODS: This is a retrospective study on patients who have IIH complicated by a CSF leak and underwent VSS. A QOL questionnaire was developed from the migraine disability assessment test and the PROMIS-PI was given to patients included in this study. RESULTS: Ten patients were included in this study. Nine patients underwent endoscopic closure of CSF prior to stent placement and one patient was treated with VSS only. There was no evidence of CSF leak recurrence in this population following VSS. Headaches improved in 5/8, tinnitus in 5/6, and visual disturbance in 4/5 patients. Diamox was discontinued in 7 out of 8 patients after VSS. There was an improvement in headache (p=0.0140) specific questions and overall QOL (p=0.0061) on the QOL questionnaire. DISCUSSION: This preliminary study demonstrates that VSS is effective in alleviating many symptoms in IIH patients with a CSF leak, especially headaches. Diamox may be able to be discontinued in many patients following VSS. No CSF leak recurrence was noted in this patient population.

Surgical management of a lateral sphenoid sinus encephalocele: 2-Dimensional operative video

Encephaloceles are considered rare with an approximate incidence of 1 in 35,000, and sphenoid encephaloceles are even more uncommon.2 Two types of sphenoid encephaloceles exist: medial perisellar encephaloceles, and lateral sphenoidal encephaloceles. Surgical correction of the lateral sphenoid recess encephalocele is achieved via one of two endoscopic approaches: extended sphenoidotomy or transpterygopalatine. Extended sphenoidotomy is preferred if the angle between the access door and lateral extension of bone defect is greater than 35°1. Otherwise, the transpterygopalatine approach is used. Intraoperative video demonstrating an extended sphenoidotomy approach to correcting a lateral recess sphenoidal encephalocele has not previously been published.Here we present a case of a 41-year-old female who presented with meningitis, a cerebrospinal fluid leak, and an incidental sphenoid mass. Brain MRI redemonstrated the mass in the sphenoid sinus consistent with an encephalocele occupying Sternberg's Canal. The patient consented to the procedure. The video demonstrates the skull base approach, encephalocele extraction, collagen inlay, and nasal septal bone and vascularized pedicled nasoseptal flap placement. Postoperative imaging confirmed the placement of the collagen inlay and nasal septal bone autograft. The patient recovered from surgery and was discharged on post-operative day 3 with no cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak recurrence. Postoperative follow up demonstrated viable nasoseptal graft without evidence of CSF leak.For patients with favorable anatomy, an extended sphenoidotomy approach to lateral sphenoid sinus encephalocele resection is a preferred alternative to the transpterygoid approach. This surgical video demonstrates the technique for managing lateral sphenoid sinus encephaloceles occupying Sternberg's canal, including endonasal approach, encephalocele resection and posterior sphenoid wall repair.

A management algorithm for idiopathic intracranial hypertension in skull base meningoencephaloceles.

In this study, the authors assessed an algorithm for the diagnosis and management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in patients who had undergone surgical repair of skull base meningoencephaloceles presenting with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (sCSF) leakage. The authors conducted an institutional retrospective review of patients surgically treated for skull base sCSF leaks between 2014 and 2021. Opening pressure (OP) measurements were taken intraoperatively. The algorithm recommended a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) for high-risk patients (OP ≥ 30 cm H2O), 4 weeks of acetazolamide plus a 2-week washout and repeat lumbar puncture (LP) at 6 weeks for intermediate-risk patients (OP = 20-29 cm H2O), and repeat LP at 4-6 weeks for low-risk patients (OP < 20 cm H2O). Demographics, radiographic characteristics, management adherence, and outcomes were analyzed. Eighty patients with sCSF leakage were identified. The mean age was 51.9 years, and the mean body mass index was 36.3 kg/m2. The median follow-up was 8.3 months (IQR 3.3-19.7 months). The overall VPS rate was 15.0%. Three patients (3.8%) experienced acute recurrent leakage, and 3 (3.8%) developed remote recurrent leaks (mean time of 48.1 months). For the 50 patients with both intra- and postoperative OPs, the mean OPs were not significantly different (23.3 vs 23.0 cm H2O, respectively, p = 0.82). The mean variability between the two measurements was an absolute difference of 6.6 cm H2O. While 13 patients (26.0%) moved to a higher-risk category based on postoperative OP, 18 patients (36.0%) moved to a lower-risk category. Utilizing an algorithm of direct meningoencephalocele repair and selective shunting, acute and remote CSF leak recurrence rates were each 3.8%, and the VPS rate was 15.0%. These data provide further insight into CSF dynamics in this population and argue against the theoretical concern that CSF pressure will increase postrepair. Significant intraindividual variability suggests multiple LPs may be necessary before committing to invasive IIH treatment. Further work is necessary to determine the optimal IIH management strategy.

Early Treatment of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage After Traumatic Injury Using Pedicled Autologous Fascia Flap.

This study aims to investigate the efficacy of early intervention in cerebrospinal fluid leakage following traumatic brain injury through the utilization of pedicled autologous fascia flaps. A retrospective case series, spanning from May 2021 to May 2022, analyzed 8 traumatic brain injury cases with concomitant cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Each patient underwent simultaneous brain surgery and transcranial repair of the cerebrospinal fluid leak, employing a pedicled autologous fascia flap. Clinical and imaging data were comprehensively recorded throughout the entire duration of the cases, and patient follow-ups were conducted through outpatient visits and telephone consultations. The study comprised 8 enrolled patients, consisting of 7 males and 1 female, all of whom sustained injuries from traffic accidents. The mean age ranged from 17 to 55 years. Among the patients, three presented with acute epidural hematoma, three with simple concave fractures, and 2 with concave fractures accompanied by brain contusion. Frontal sinus fractures were observed in all cases. All surgical interventions were successful, with no instances of cerebrospinal fluid leakage postoperatively. In addition, none of the patients developed intracranial infections. At the conclusion of the follow-up period, recurrent cerebrospinal fluid leakage was not observed in any of the patients. In cases where surgical intervention is necessary for cerebrospinal fluid leakage resulting from anterior cranial base fractures, the application of pedicled autologous fascia flaps in the acute stage proves effective in repairing leaks at the anterior cranial base. This approach may contribute to a reduction in the incidence of intracranial infections, ultimately yielding satisfactory patient recovery.

P32. The impact of CSF leaks on 90-day reoperation rates for recurrent CSF leakage among adult spine deformity patients

P32. The impact of CSF leaks on 90-day reoperation rates for recurrent CSF leakage among adult spine deformity patients

Simplified mini-review of management of recurrent leak after peptic ulcer perforation.

Simplified mini-review of management of recurrent leak after peptic ulcer perforation.

Vascularized Omentum Lymphatic Transplantation as a Treatment for Chronic Inguinal Ulceration and Lymphedema.

After tumor resection, lymphadenectomy, and radiotherapy, recurrent lymphatic fluid leakage and infection can occur in the inguinal region, contributing to severe localized tissue fibrosis. When wounds form in this region, they tend to heal slowly over extended periods, and no optimal approach for treating these complex wounds has yet been established. Groin wound debridement and dissection of the vessels in the wound recipient site were performed by the burn surgeon. A general surgeon performed the laparoscopic partial omentum excision. One portion of the omentum was used to fill the large inguinal space, whereas the other portion was laid flat on the wound sites in the groin and anterior perineum to facilitate the restoration of appropriate lymphatic fluid reflux. The vessels of the omentum were microsurgically anastomosed with the vessels in the recipient site. Thin split-thickness slices of skin were then taken from this donor site based on the size of the wound. After the successful establishment of revascularization between the flap and recipient sites, lymphatic fluid leakage was not observed in this patient. No inguinal wounding or lymphatic exudate were evident in the patient during follow-up, and significant improvements in lymphedema of the lower extremities were evident. In this article, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of vascularized omentum lymphatic transplantation. Overall, this procedure represents a promising new approach for the treatment of refractory wounds caused by lymphatic fistulas.

Peri-operative management of endoscopic endonasal cerebrospinal fluid leak repair: an international survey.

Peri-operative management of nasal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks is not consensual due to limited evidence. The main aim of this study was to identify key factors in peri-operative management of endoscopic endonasal CSF leak repair among international experts. A 60-item survey questionnaire collected opinions of members of international learned societies of ENT surgeons and neurosurgeons on nasal packing, post-operative instructions, antibiotic prophylaxis, and CSF volume depletion. The survey had 153 respondents (124 otorhinolaryngologists and 29 neurosurgeons). A resting position was recommended by 85% (130/151) of respondents for extended CSF leak of the anterior skull base, mainly in Fowler's position (72% (110/153)). Nasal packing was used by 85% (130/153) of respondents; 33.3% (51/153) used it to stabilize the reconstruction, and 22.2% (34/153) to prevent bleeding. It was usually removed after 48h in 44.4% of cases (68/153). CSF depletion was considered by 47.1% (72/153) of respondents in case of CSF leak recurrence and by 34.6% (53/153) in cases of increased intracranial pressure. All respondents gave specific postoperative instructions to patients including driving, running, swimming, diving restrictions and flighting restrictions. In subgroup analysis, ENT surgeons more often recommended a resting position than neurosurgeons (71% vs. 37.9% ; p = 0.0008) and prescribed more antibiotics (82.3% vs. 21.4% ; p < 0.0001). Although postoperative management after CSF closure remains challenging and not codified, this international survey revealed some points of consensus concerning resting position and restriction of post-operative activities. Prospective clinical studies must be undertaken to evaluate their efficiency.

Predictive factors of early autologous blood pleurodesis for postoperative air leak.

The usefulness of autologous blood pleurodesis for air leak after pulmonary resection is well known; however, factors predicting the therapeutic efficacy are poorly understood. Herein, we aimed to examine the predictors of early autologous blood pleurodesis for air leak following pulmonary resection. Patients who underwent pulmonary resection and autologous blood pleurodesis with thrombin for postoperative air leak between January 2016 and October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients received 50-100 mL of autologous blood and 20,000 units of thrombin on postoperative days 1-4. If necessary, the same procedure or pleurodesis with other chemical agents was repeated until the air leak stopped. Patients were divided into single-dose and multiple-dose groups based on the number of times pleurodesis had occurred before the air leak stopped and were statistically analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of treatment efficacy. Of the 922 patients who underwent pulmonary resection, 57 patients (6.2%) were included and divided into single-dose (n = 38) and multiple-dose (n = 19) groups. The amount of air leaks was identified as a significant predictor of multiple dosing, with a cutoff of 60 mL/min, in multivariate logistic regression analyses (odds ratio 1.13, 95% CI 1.03-1.24, p = 0.0065). The multiple-dose group showed a significantly higher recurrence of air leak (p = 0.0417). The amount of air leaks after pulmonary resection is the only significant factor predicting whether multiple autologous blood pleurodesis is required, and the recurrence rate of pneumothorax is significantly higher in such cases.

A Case of Lymphorrhea after Radical Cystectomy Treated by Ultrasound-Guided Inguinal Intranodal Lymphangiography

A 76-year-old woman was diagnosed with invasive bladder cancer and underwent cystectomy, bilateral external iliac, internal iliac and obturator lymph node dissection, and bilateral cutaneous ureterostomy. Pathological findings showed no lymph node metastasis ; however, the patient had lower abdominal pain and fever from the 14th postoperative day, and computed tomography (CT) revealed fluid retention in the pelvis. Retrograde pyelography showed no leakage from the urinary tract, and a drain was placed after percutaneous puncture of the pelvic cavity. There was copious drainage fluid and its nature and composition suggested lymphorrhea. Ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography revealed contrast material leakage from the bilateral lymph node dissection sites. After lymphangiography, drainage from the drain decreased. Despite the drainage being minimal yet persistent, sclerotherapy was performed, the drain was removed and the patient was discharged. After discharge, there was leakage from the site of urethral extraction, and CT revealed recurrent lymph leakage. The patient was readmitted, and a second lymphangiography was performed. The leakage from the site of urethral extraction gradually decreased, and the patient was discharged on the 59th postoperative day. CT after discharge confirmed that the lymphorrhea had shrunk in size, and there has been no recurrence since then. Lymphangiography is a promising treatment option for lymphorrhea after pelvic surgery.

Trans-Defect Underlay Watertight Duraplasty for Traumatic Anterior Skull Base Dural Defect: Technical Report

BackgroundWatertight duraplasty is essential for surgical management of traumatic anterior skull base (ASB) dural defect but challenging in the deep and narrow operative corridor. Here, the authors report the trans-defect underlay watertight duraplasty (TDUWD) technique for traumatic ASB dural defect. MethodsTDUWD was performed by inserting a free pericranium graft under the dural defect. The diameter of the pericranium graft was larger than the dural defect. The pericranium graft was sutured to the dural defect watertightly in an “inside-to-outside” direction, with the needle not penetrating the inner layer of pericranium graft. The pedicled pericranium flap was used as a second layer of reconstruction. The characteristics, complications and outcomes of patients who received TDUWD are reported. ResultsA total of 29 patients received TDUWD. Immediate postoperative cessation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak occurred in 28 patients. The other one patient recovered after lumber drainage. No patient needed a second operation or reported delayed recurrence of CSF leak. No complication related to the surgical technique was observed. ConclusionUse of TDUWD for traumatic ASB dural defect results in an immediate, one-stage and definitive correction of CSF leak and seems to be simple, safe, and reliable for large and deep located dural defects.

Determining optimal air leak resolution criteria when using digital pleural drainage device after lung resection

ObjectiveThere is limited clinical evidence to support any specific parenchymal air leak resolution criteria when using digital pleural drainage devices following lung resection. The aim of this study is to determine an optimal air leak resolution criteria, where duration of chest tube drainage is minimized while avoiding complications from premature chest tube removal. MethodsAirflow data averaged at 10-minute intervals was collected prospectively using a digital pleural drainage device (Thopaz; Medela) in 400 patients from 2015 to 2019. All permutations of air leak resolution criteria from <10 to 100 mL/minute for 4 to 12 hours were applied retrospectively to the pleural drainage data to determine air leak duration, and air leak recurrence frequency and volume. Air leak recurrence indicates potential for rather than occurrence of adverse events. Descriptive statistics were used to identify the optimal criteria based on patient safety (low frequency and volume of air leak recurrences), and efficiency (shortest initial air leak duration). ResultsThe majority of the 400 patients underwent lobectomy (57% [227 out of 400]), wedge resections (29% [115 out of 400]), or segmentectomies (8% [32 out of 400]) for lung cancer (90% [360 out of 400]). An airflow threshold <50 mL/minute resulted in longer air leak duration before meeting the criteria for air leak resolution (P < .0001). Air leak recurrence frequency and volume were greater in patients with a monitoring period <8 consecutive hours (P < .0001). ConclusionsWhen using a digital pleural drainage device, a postoperative air leak resolution criteria <50 mL/minute for 8 consecutive hours was associated with the best safety and efficiency profile.

Multidisciplinary management of high-grade pediatric liver injuries.

To present our experience of multidisciplinary management of high-grade pediatric liver injuries. Pediatric high-grade liver injuries pose significant challenge to management due to associated morbidity and mortality. Emergency surgical intervention to control hemorrhage and biliary leak in these patients is usually suboptimal. Conservative management in selected high-grade liver injuries is now becoming standard of care. Management of hemobilia due to pseudoaneurysm formation and traumatic bile leaks requires multidisciplinary management. A retrospective review was undertaken for patients presenting with blunt liver injuries at two tertiary care centers inKarachi, Pakistan, from March 2021 to December 2022. Twenty-eight patients were identified, and four patients fulfilled the criteria for grade 4 and above blunt liver injury during this period. One case with grade 4 liver injury developed hemobilia on 7th day of injury. He required two settings of angioembolization but had recurrent leak from pseudoaneurysm. He ultimately needed right hepatic artery ligation. Second patient presented with massive biliary peritonitis 2days following injury. He was managed initially with tube laparostomy followed by ERCP and stent placement. The third patient developed large hemoperitoneum managed conservatively. One case with grade 5 injury expired during emergency surgery. Conservative management of advanced liver injuries can result in significant morbidity and mortality due to high risk of complications. Trauma surgeons need to have multidisciplinary team for management of these patients to gain optimal outcome.

Short Postoperative Length of Stay After Lateral Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Repair.

To characterize the short-term outcomes of patients undergoing surgical repair of lateral skull base cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks followed by a shortened length of stay (LOS) protocol. Retrospective study. Tertiary medical center. Atotal of 156 adult patients from July 2016 to December 2022 who underwent repair of CSF leaks via transmastoid (TM), middle cranial fossa (MCF), or combined (TM/MCF) approaches were included. Data collected included: LOS, presentation to the emergency department (ED), need for readmission, major neurologic complications (stroke, seizure, and meningitis), and CSF leak recurrence. Approximately half of patients underwent a TM repair (49.4%), whereas the other half underwent either an MCF (3.8%) or combined TM/MCF repair (46.8%). No peri-/postoperative lumbar drains were used and only 2 (1.3%) patients were admitted to the intensive care unit after surgery. Mean LOS for the cohort was 1.1 ± 0.7 days and was longer for surgeries involving MCF (1.3 ± 0.6) compared to TM (0.8 ± 0.7). Ninety-two percent of TM cases were discharged within 24hours (32% on the same day) while for cases involving an MCF approach, 72.2% of patients were discharged within 24hours. Of the patients in the study, 6 (3.8%) presented to an ED for minor complications and no patient required readmission. Revision surgery was required for 3 (1.9%) patients for recurrent CSF leak. Our findings suggest that short LOS after surgical repair of lateral skull base defects in the treatment of CSF leak is safe and effective.

Surgical treatment of recurrent herniated discs of the lumbar spine depending on risk factors

The study included 61 patients with recurrent intervertebral disc herniation. Thirty patients underwent repeated microdiscectomy without transpedicular fixation, 31 patients - resection of recurrent disc herniation with transpedicular fixation (PLIF technique). The control group included 63 patients without recurrent disc herniation. Mean follow-up period was 3.5 years. Discectomy with transpedicular fixation is characterized by larger extent, prolonged surgery time and rehabilitation period. However, there is lower risk of recurrent disc herniation and CSF leakage. Repeated microdisectomy without transpedicular fixation is characterized by smaller extent and shorter surgery time, as well as faster recovery period. Nevertheless, we have higher risk of recurrent disc herniation and CSF leakage. We developed a method for assessing the probability of recurrent intervertebral disc herniation. This algorithm allows us to predict the probability of recurrent disc herniation in a particular patient with 86.7% accuracy. We proposed an algorithm for choosing surgical treatment of recurrent disc herniation. Microdiscectomy without fixation is advisable for the risk of recurrent disc herniation <30%, discectomy with transpedicular fixation - for risk of disc herniation >30%.

Factors Affecting Success Rates in Endoscopic Repair of CSF Rhinorrhea.

Our aim in this study is to assess the effect of factors such as age, etiology, defect size, application of lumbar drainage and surgical technique on Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) fistula repair success rates. The Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system of our clinic was retrospectively reviewed for cases that were operated between 2006 and 2020 for CSF fistula originating from anterior skull base with endoscopic transnasal technique. A total of 35 patients were included in the study. Patients were grouped according to the number of layers used in repair (two, three or four-layered reconstruction) and defect size (smaller than 5 mm, 5 to 10 mm and larger than 10mm), etiology, location of the defect and application of lumbar drainage as LD (+) and LD (-). Complications and CSF leak recurrence were compared between groups. Recurrence rates in patients who had 2 layered reconstructions were significantly higher compared to patients who had 3 or 4 layered reconstructions (p=0.049). The recurrence rate in LD (+) group (41.7%) was significantly lower compared to LD (-) group (4.3%) (p=0.012). There were no significant difference in recurrence rates between groups in terms of age, defect size, defect location and etiology. In endoscopic transnasal repair of anterior skull base-derived bos fistulas, planning the reconstruction at least 3 times and applying lumbar CSF drainage increases the success rates.

Flange Leak Investigation on Kettle Heat Exchanger Operating at Low-Temperature Condition

A kettle-type evaporator heat exchanger (TEMA BKU) is utilized to cool natural gas on the tube side from −34 °C to −55 °C, using Multi-component Refrigerant (MCR) as the cooling medium on the shell side. During operation, the heat exchanger encountered recurrent leakage issues at the channel-tubesheet bolted flange joint, particularly during the cooling down process. The primary objective of this research is to identify the causes of leakage and to propose viable solutions for minimizing the risk of leakage. To achieve this, Finite Element Method (FEM) was employed as an investigative tool to analyze the mechanical factors contributing to leakage. Results from the FEM investigation indicate that the leakage in the bolted joint of the heat exchanger is attributed to reduce of gasket seating stress as an effect of bolts self-loosening, influenced by several factors such as bolts plastic deformation, flange stiffness characteristics, and uneven temperature distribution. The study also reveals that gasket seating stress decreases after each shutdown compared to the previous start-up due to plastic deformation on bolts and flange gasket surfaces after shutdown. The findings of this study provide critical insights into the mechanical behavior of bolted flange joints in heat exchangers and offer guidance for their improved design and maintenance, enhancing operational reliability.

Neuro-ophthalmic features of patients with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

Increased intracranial pressure is a potential cause of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (sCSF) leak. Associated neuro-ophthalmic features have not been well studied, particularly relationships with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). We hypothesized that neuro-ophthalmic features routinely used in evaluations for IIH can be useful in the investigation of a causal relationship between IIH and sCSF leak. We reviewed the neuro-ophthalmic examination and office-based ophthalmic imaging data of all consecutive patients with sCSF leaks and at least one repair to investigate the clinical and neuro-ophthalmic features of increased intracranial pressure. We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study at a single institution by querying the electronic medical record system for CSF leak Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes (G96.00 and G96.01) from June 1, 2019, to July 31, 2022. For patients with a confirmed diagnosis of sCSF leak, demographic information, eye examination results, and ophthalmic imaging details for both eyes were collected. A total of 189 patients with CSF leaks were identified through CPT coding; 159 had iatrogenic or traumatic CSF leaks, and 30 individuals (3 male, 27 female) had confirmed sCSF leaks. The mean age of patients with sCSF leaks was 46 years (range: 29 - 81), with a mean body mass index of 35.2 kg/m2 (range: 18.2 - 54.1). Only 11 of 30 underwent eye examinations (8 before surgical repair and 10 after). The mean pre-repair and post-repair best-corrected visual acuity were 20/30 (range: 20/20 - 20/55) and 20/25 (range: 20/20 - 20/40), respectively (P = 0.188). The mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was 99 µm (range: 96 - 104) pre-repair and 97 µm (range: 84 - 103) post-repair (P = 0.195). The mean ganglion cell complex thickness was 84 µm (range: 72 - 94) pre-repair and 82 µm (range: 71 - 94) post-repair (P = 0.500). Humphrey visual field average mean deviation was -5.1 (range: -12.4 - -1.8) pre-repair and -1.0 (range: -10.1 - 2.1) post-repair (P = 0.063). Serial neuro-ophthalmic examinations are recommended for patients with sCSF leaks to screen for signs of current or prior increased intracranial pressure. Larger studies are required to clarify the longitudinal changes in neuro-ophthalmic features, to investigate the incidence of IIH in cases of sCSF leak development or recurrence after surgical repair, and to explore potential causal relationships to guide post-repair management and prevent recurrent leaks. A multicenter consortium is also suggested to develop a standard clinical protocol for comprehensive management of sCSF leaks.

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Is Associated with Recurrent CSF Leak and Reoperation for Spontaneous Temporal Encephalocele.

Objective Spontaneous temporal encephaloceles (STEs) are increasingly recognized as sequelae of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), which in turn may further complicate their management. We endeavored to review the University of Pennsylvania institutional experience on operative management of STEs, with a focus on factors which may influence surgical outcomes, particularly IIH. Design Retrospective chart review over 9 years from 2013 to 2022. Setting Single-center, two-hospital, tertiary care, academic setting. Participants Patients undergoing middle cranial fossa (43.9%), transmastoid (44.9%), or combined (11.2%) approaches for repair of STEs during the study period ( n = 107). Main Outcome Measures Postoperative complication rates, recurrence, and diagnosis of IIH. Results The majority of patients were female (64.5%), with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 37 kg/m 2 and mean age of 57 years. Twelve patients (9%) represented reoperations after failed primary repairs. Fourteen percent of patients undergoing primary surgical repair of STE were diagnosed with IIH, compared with 42% of patients undergoing reoperations ( p = 0.015). In addition, there was a significant difference in the average BMI of patients undergoing primary (36.4 kg/m 2 ) versus revision surgery (40.9 kg/m 2 , p = 0.04). Half of those undergoing reoperation were placed on postoperative acetazolamide compared with 11% of patients undergoing primary operations. No patient experienced recurrent leak after reoperation. Conclusion Based on our institutional experience, elevated BMI and the presence of IIH are significant predictors of reoperation for STE. In our experience, acetazolamide is a common adjunct management strategy in addition to reoperation for patients with recurrent cerebrospinal fluid leak in the setting of STE.

Peristomal Moisture-Associated Skin Damage Treatment: Use of Cyanoacrylate Liquid Skin Protectant: A Case Series.

Despite recent advances in ostomy care, the incidence of stoma and peristomal skin complications including peristomal moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) remains as high as 80% of patients living with ostomies. We evaluated a cyanoacrylate liquid skin protectant (CLSP) for the treatment and healing of peristomal MASD in patients with an ileostomy, ileal conduit, or colostomy. Five patients (24-85 years old) with peristomal MASD related to an ileostomy (n = 2), ileal conduit (n = 2), or colostomy (n = 1) were evaluated in this case study. All were treated with a CLSP in an attempt to reduce peristomal MASD caused by effluent leakage, which resulted in painful denudation of the peristomal skin. All patients received 1 to 2 applications of the CLSP prior to replacement of the pouching system. Prior to CLSP application, patients underwent assessment focusing on the causes of ostomy pouching system undermining and leakage. Interventions to prevent recurrent undermining and leakage, usually focused on modifications of the pouching system, were completed when indicated. For these 5 patients, complete resolution of peristomal MASD was observed at 2 to 8 days following CLSP treatment. More severe peristomal MASD cases required 7 to 8 days for complete resolution while less severe peristomal MASD resolved within 2 to 3 days. Patients showed less frequent pouching system changes, healing of peristomal skin, and reduced peristomal MASD associated with the CLSP treatment and addressing underlying etiology. On a pain scale of 0 to 10, patients reported less pain with an average of more than 7 out of 10 prior to the CLSP treatment and less than 4 out of 10 after treatment.