Endoscopic transnasal management of cerebrospinal fluid leaks of the sphenoid sinus

Abstract

The authors reviewed the medical records of patients who had undergone endoscopic management of sphenoid sinus (SS) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks in our department between 2005 and 2007. Eight patients were included in this study: 4 males and 4 females. CSF fistulae were due to trauma, surgery, and some were idiopathic. In all the patients, a multilayer skull base closure was performed. No SS obliteration was carried out. One patient required revision surgery for persistent CSF leak. Multilayer skull base closure is confirmed as the preferred option in sphenoid CSF leaks. The limited morbidity and high success rate fit well with the data in the literature and make this treatment option advisable.