Publication:

Trans-nasal endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea: a retrospective analysis

Background The purpose of present study was to assess the management and surgical outcomes of trans-nasal endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhoea.

Methods A retrospective study was conducted on the basis of medical records of 8 patients (6 males and 2 females) who had undergone trans-nasal endoscopic reconstructive surgery for CSF leak in a tertiary care hospital. Data so collected was analyzed to determine the demographic and diagnostic factors with surgical outcomes. Rate of success achieved was also assessed.

Results Majority of patients were in the age group of 21-40 years with mean age of 28.50 years. Main cause of leak was trauma (75%) and most common site of defect was found to be the cribriform plate of ethmoid bone (75%). 38% patients suffered from recurrent episodes of meningitis. Repair of dehiscence was done by variety of graft material like fat, fascia, middle turbinate mucosa, septal bone, cartilage or mucosa and fibrin glue. Success rate of 100% was observed. No post-surgical complications were encountered in this series.

Conclusions Trans-nasal endoscopic surgical technique is an effective and atraumatic procedure for repair of CSF rhinorrhoea with minimum morbidity and low post-operative complications.