BACKGROUND:

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks of the temporal bone region require surgical treatment as they pose life-threatening risks such as meningitis.

AIM:

The aim of the study was to determine the surgical outcome depending on different operation techniques and grafts.

METHOD:

We performed a retrospective review of 28 cases of CSF leaks, operated in our department from 1983 to 2002. After a mean follow-up of 8 years, patients were interviewed concerning otorrhea or rhinorrhea and meningitis. In this context, our management of CSF leaks is presented.

RESULTS:

The CSF leak had arisen spontaneously (n = 3), traumatically (n = 6) or postoperatively (n = 19). The surgical CSF leak repairs were performed via a transmastoid (n = 13), a middle fossa (n = 11) or a combined (n = 4) approach. Surgical outcome was independent on the used graft. CSF leak could be sealed in 25 of 28 cases. Only 3 patients suffered from recurrences. Meningitis or other complications did not occur.

CONCLUSIONS:

Comparing different techniques and grafts, there were no differences in the surgical outcome.

Copyright (c) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.