[The value of computerized tomography for neurosurgical treatment of traumatic frontobasal cerebrospinal fluid fistulas. 300 cases]

Abstract

300 patients with traumatic frontobasal CSF-fistulae were treated neurosurgically from 1967 to 1989. CT was introduced in 1980, allowing a definitive detection of intracranial lesions including appraisal of cerebral edema, direct detection of fistulae (metrizamide-CT) and of brain hernias and far better imaging of osseous lesions, also of fine structures, such as a better apprasial of paranasal sinus pathology. Classical radiology is, however, still indispensable for imaging certain fracture types and localization of a pneumocranium. Computer Tomography allows an improvement of postoperative results, influencing indication, timing of operation, such as surgical approach.