Search Results (14)

Background/Objectives: Synthetic polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrogel sealants, such as Adherus, are commonly used in spinal surgeries to achieve watertight dural closure and prevent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. This case report describes an unusual instance of suspected hydrogel sealant migration resulting in an intradural collection at a spinal level remote from the original surgery. Methods: A 57-year-old female with a history of osteoarthritis and prediabetes underwent a minimally invasive L5-S1 laminectomy for the removal of an epidural abscess causing cauda equina and S1 nerve root compression. During the procedure, a dural puncture occurred, which was repaired using Duragen (collagen matrix) and Adherus (synthetic PEG hydrogel sealant). Postoperatively, the patient developed urinary retention and new bilateral posterior leg pain. An MRI on postoperative day four revealed a new peripherally enhancing dorsal intradural collection at the L2 level, causing significant thecal sac narrowing and compression of the cauda equina nerve roots, suggestive of migration of the hydrogel sealant used during surgery. Conservative management was adopted. Results: The patients symptoms gradually resolved. Follow-up imaging at five months showed resolution of the intradural collection, with residual intradural inflammatory changes and arachnoiditis. Conclusions: While PEG-based hydrogel sealants like Adherus are effective in preventing CSF leaks, they can, in rare instances, migrate and cause remote intradural collections with neurological symptoms. Surgeons should exercise meticulous application techniques, thoroughly document the use of sealants, and maintain vigilant postoperative monitoring to mitigate these risks. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea carries a significant risk of life-threatening intracranial complications. This review provides a contemporary overview of current management strategies for CSF rhinorrhoea. Methods: We conducted a literature review, examining studies from Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar published within the last 20 years. This narrative synthesis summarises the current and future trends in the management of CSF rhinorrhoea. Results: The management of CSF leaks requires a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing a thorough clinical assessment, targeted diagnostic testing, and a spectrum of surgical and non-surgical interventions. Endoscopic techniques, particularly the use of vascularised flaps such as the nasoseptal flap, has become central to anterior skull base reconstruction. Numerous graft and flap choices provide tailored solutions based on defect size and CSF flow characteristics, with reported success rates exceeding 90%. Conclusions: Endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhoea continues to evolve, with modern techniques significantly enhancing success rates and reducing morbidity. Further understanding of underlying aetiologies, advances in technology, and refinement in surgical technique are areas for future innovation in CSF rhinorrhoea management. Full article

Background/Objectives: To evaluate the outcomes of anterior skull base (ASB) reconstruction using single versus double vascularized flap techniques following multiportal cranio-endoscopic approaches (CEA), based on a 12-year experience. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 46 patients who underwent ASB reconstruction after a CEA at our department between 2010 and 2022. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 received a pericranial flap (PF) reinforced with a fascia graft, while Group 2 underwent multiple flap reconstruction with PF, fascia graft, and nasoseptal flap (NSF). The primary outcome measured was the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and the impact of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) on reconstruction. Results: Group 1 (86.9%) demonstrated no significant postoperative CSF leaks, showing that the PF, combined with multilayer techniques (including underlay sealing matrix and overlay fascia graft), effectively repaired ASB defects. Group 2 (13.1%), employing both PF and NSF, showed similar outcomes, with the dual flap approach particularly beneficial in cases of post-traumatic fistulas or when the nasal septum was spared by disease. No significant differences were observed in complications or flap necrosis, even in patients receiving adjuvant RT. Conclusions: The PF is a reliable and versatile option for ASB reconstruction, often sufficient as a single-flap technique. The addition of an NSF can be beneficial in specific cases, particularly in post-traumatic conditions or tumors with unilateral endonasal invasion. However, PF alone, when combined with a multilayer approach, minimizes the risk of CSF leakage and long-term flap necrosis, underscoring the importance of tailored surgical strategies for optimal outcomes. Full article

Spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks can be caused by tears in the dura and are challenging to treat. Traditional methods of treating spinal CSF leakage include nonsurgical management, epidural blood patches (EBP), and direct surgical repair. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is rapidly progressing within neurosurgery due to its advantages for patient safety and comfort. Existing MIS techniques to spine surgery utilize a rigid endoscope, which has limitations when reaching smaller areas requiring greater degrees of visualization. The simultaneous use of a flexible endoscope and wearable heads-up display (wHUD) improves access and visualization in these small areas while allowing the surgeon to maintain optimal ergonomics. In this article, we review minimally invasive approaches to spine surgery and the management of spinal CSF leaks. We also demonstrate a novel minimally invasive technique utilizing flexible endoscopy and a wHUD to treat a case of recurrent CSF leak. We describe the successful utilization of this technology and provide the groundwork for future practitioners to incorporate this approach into their practice. Full article

Objective(s): The objective of this study was to report our experience with a series of patients with temporal bone fractures from 2019 to 2023 and to evaluate the dilemmas in diagnosing the extent of their ontological injuries through a narrative review of the literature focusing on the classifications of temporal bone fractures. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from the electronic medical records of patients who presented to the emergency department and were diagnosed with temporal bone fractures using computed tomograms of the head and temporal bone between September 2019 and March 2023. A total of 117 patients were included in the study. Demographic data, fracture classification, mechanism of injury, and presence and/or repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, facial nerve injury (both immediate and delayed), and hearing loss (both immediate and delayed) were also recorded. Results: In total, 49.5% of our cohort were between the ages of 19 and 39, and the majority (66%) were males. The primary cause of the trauma was falls in 41% of patients, followed by motor vehicle accidents (29%), and 70% had a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) between 13 and 15 at presentation. In total, 92.3% of temporal bone fractures did not involve the otic capsule, and 79.3% were longitudinal fractures. In total, 89% of the CSF leaks were seen in patients with longitudinal fractures. Similarly, 70% of facial nerve deficits were seen in patients with longitudinal and otic capsule-sparing fractures. Conclusion: Diagnosis of facial asymmetry and hearing loss in patients with TBFs can be challenging in acute care settings but was less challenging in our cohort due to patients presenting with good GCSs. Dilemmas in clinical evaluation in the acute care setting are due to poor GCSs, heterogeneity of documentation of injuries, and classification of TBFs. Implementation of universal protocols with homogeneity in the documentation and classification of temporal bone fractures may help improve patient care and prediction of outcomes. Full article

Reconstruction after the resection of sinonasal malignancies is complex and primarily dependent on the defect size and location. While the reconstructive paradigm for sellar mass resection is well delineated, the challenges associated with reconstruction after sinonasal malignancy resection are less well described. This narrative review will address the goals of reconstruction after both endonasal endoscopic and open sinonasal malignancy resection and reconstructive options specific to these subsites. The goals of reconstruction include repairing cerebrospinal fluid leaks, restoring sinonasal function, providing a nasal airway, and optimizing the patient’s quality of life. These goals are often complicated by the anatomic nuances of each involved sinus. In this review, we will discuss the methods of reconstruction specific to each sinonasal subsite and describe the factors that guide choosing the optimal reconstructive technique. Full article

Study Design: Case series. Objective: This retrospective review of frontal sinus fractures aims to describe our current experience managing these fractures at an urban level I trauma center. Methods: An institutional database of 2081 patients who presented with maxillofacial fractures on computed tomography face/sinus in 2019 was queried for all patients with traumatic frontal sinus fractures. Demographics, trauma-related history, management approach, and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. Results: Sixty-three (7.3%) patients had at least one fracture involving the frontal sinus. The most common etiologies were assaults, falls, and motor vehicle accidents. Surgical repair was performed in 26.8% of patients with frontal sinus fractures, and the other 73.2% were observed. Fractures that were displaced, comminuted, obstructive of the frontal sinus outflow tract, or associated with a dural tear or cerebrospinal fluid leak were more likely to be operative. Conclusions: The majority of frontal sinus fractures in this study were treated with observation. Despite advances in transnasal endoscopic approaches, many surgeons still rely on open approaches to repair frontal sinus fractures. Full article

Background: Due to the blood–brain barrier and limited antibiotic choices, polymyxin is currently the first-line agent for the treatment of central nervous system infections (CNSIs) caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB). Colistin sulfate, as a polymyxin E different from CMS, is used in Chinese clinics, and there are limited reports on its use in the treatment of CNSIs. Case Presentation: This case describes a 76-year-old man who underwent complex neurosurgery for cervical spinal stenosis. Postoperatively, the patient developed a fever and a poorly healed surgical wound. Numerous blood routine tests, inflammatory markers, pathogenic tests of cervical secretions, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and sputum were sent for diagnosis. After empirical antimicrobial treatments failed, the CSF and wound pus cultured carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. The regimen was adjusted to colistin sulfate intravenously and intrathecal injection combined with tigecycline. In addition, the management of infection foci, including continuous lumbar pool drain, cervical 3–5 internal fixation removal with cervical 1–6 spine dilation, CSF leak repair, and right thigh broad fasciotomy, were performed. After treatment, the patient was discharged with multiple sets of negative CSF cultures and the infection under control. Conclusions: For CNSIs caused by MDR-GNB, the selection of colistin sulfate for intravenous and topical combination treatment is a viable choice. Full article

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a crucial complication after endoscopic skull base surgery. Therefore, multilayer reconstruction with grafts is as essential as a reconstruction with pedicled flaps. Although widely used, the multilayer technique with autologous fascia lata has drawbacks, such as additional wound and donor site complications. We compared acellular dermal graft and banked homologous fascia lata graft (alternative grafts) with autologous fascia lata graft for high-flow CSF leak repair. We retrospectively enrolled 193 subjects who underwent endoscopic skull base reconstruction with multilayer fascial grafts and nasoseptal flap for high-flow CSF leaks from November 2014 to February 2020 at a single institution. Acellular dermal matrix (ADM), banked homologous fascia lata, and autologous fascia lata were used in 48 (24.9%), 102 (52.8%), and 43 (22.3%) patients, respectively. Postoperative CSF leaks occurred in 23 (11.9%) patients and meningitis in 8 (4.1%). There was no significant difference in postoperative CSF leak (p = 0.36) and meningitis (p = 0.17) across the graft groups. Additionally, we could not find out contributing risk factors for postoperative CSF leak and meningitis. ADM and banked homologous fascia lata are non-inferior to autologous fascia lata for endoscopic skull base reconstruction in water-tight reconstruction or safety without additional donor site morbidities. Full article

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea requires proper management to avoid disastrous consequences. The objectives of this study were to ascertain the patient characteristics, etiologies, sites of defect, skull base configurations, methods of investigation, and management outcomes of CSF rhinorrhea. Methods: A retrospective study was performed over 4 years involving three surgeons from Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Hospital records were reviewed to determine the patients’ characteristics, the causes and sites of leaks, methods of investigation, skull base configurations, choices of treatment, and outcomes. Results: A total of 15 cases (7 traumatic and 8 non-traumatic) were included. Imaging was performed in all cases. The most common site of leakage was the cribriform plate (9/15 cases). The mean ± SD of the Keros heights were 4.43 ± 1.66 (right) and 4.21 ± 1.76 mm (left). Type II Keros was the most common (60%). The mean ± SD angles of the cribriform plate slope were 51.91 ± 13.43 degrees (right) and 63.54 ± 12.64 degrees (left). A class II Gera configuration was the most common (80%). All except two patients were treated with endonasal endoscopic surgical repair, with a success rate of 92.3%. A multilayered repair technique was used in all patients except one. The mean ± SD postoperative hospital stay was 9.07 ± 6.17 days. Conclusions: Non-traumatic CSF rhinorrhea outnumbered traumatic CSF rhinorrhea, with the most common site of leak at the cribriform plate. Imaging plays an important role in investigation, and Gera classification appears to be better than Keros classification for evaluating risk. Both conservative and surgical repairs are practiced with successful outcomes. Endonasal endoscopic CSF leak repair is the mainstay treatment. Full article

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak can be spontaneous or nonspontaneous. The management options include conservative treatments, blood patch, and surgical repairs. We compared clinical symptoms, image findings, management options, hospitalization, and relapse rates among different causes of CSF leaks. Eighty-one patients were recruited: 20 with spontaneous and 61 with nonspontaneous CSF leaks. Nonspontaneous causes included lumbar puncture, surgery, and trauma. Surgery sites comprised sphenoid, spine, skull base, and calvaria. Spontaneous CSF leak came from the sphenoid or spine. Age, gender, body mass index, initial symptoms, hospitalization, treatment courses, and recurrence rates showed no difference between the groups. The spontaneous group had higher CSF accumulations on their MRIs. MRI pachymeninge enhancement showed the highest sensitivity (78.6%) for intracranial hypotension. Meningitis occurred in 1/3 of sphenoid, skull base, and calvarian surgeries. Earlier reoperation was correlated with shorter hospitalization (r = 0.651), but the recurrence rates were similar. Longer intervals between surgery and CSF leak encouraged reoperation. Among the spontaneous spine and lumbar puncture-related CSF leaks, 57.1% of them responded to 4 days of conservative treatment. Among the trauma-related CSF leaks, 90.9% of them required surgical repair. The demographic data and symptoms were similar in various groups of CSF leak. The symptom onset durations and treatment strategies were different. However, the recurrence rates were similar. Full article

Oncologic and traumatic neurosurgery may have to cope with the issue of skull base defects, which are associated with increased risk of meningitis, epidural abscess and cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) leak. The aim of skull base reconstruction is to repair the dural exposure and to separate the intracranial contents from the nonsterile sino-nasal cavities and extracranial space. Currently, many different surgical techniques have been described, and one of the most performed is the use free flap. In the present paper we performed a case-based update and literature review of the use of chimeric anterolateral thigh free flap harvested from rectus femoris, reporting the case of a 68-year-old man with recurrent spheno-ethmoidalis plane meningioma. Full article

Background: Cerebrospinal (CSF) fluid leaks with associated pneumocephalus (PNC) represent a condition bearing serious risks for the patient, with little data available in the literature. Reported success rates of endoscopic skull base repair are lower when PNC is associated than in the case of simple CSF leaks. The present study represents an analysis of our experience with endoscopic management of this condition. Methods: Records of patients with pneumocephalus and associated CSF leaks, who underwent endoscopic skull base repair, were reviewed. Demographics, history, etiology of PNC, size of defect, surgical approach, reconstruction technique and complications were evaluated. Results: Twenty patients with CSF leaks and PNC underwent endonasal repair by the senior author between 2005 and 2019. Defect size was larger than 15 mm in all cases. All patients presented either worsening of PNC under conservative treatment or tension PNC. First-attempt closure of the defect was successful in all patients (100%), with resolution of the pneumocephalus. One patient developed a synechia in the proximity of the frontal ostium, as a postoperative complication. The mean follow-up was 39 months (range: 15–94 months). Conclusion: The present study represents a proposed argument for earlier endoscopic endonasal treatment in patients presenting CSF leaks and pneumocephalus. Full article

Frontal sinus injuries may range from isolated anterior table fractures resulting in a simple aesthetic deformity to complex fractures involving the frontal recess, orbits, skull base, and intracranial contents. The risk of long-term morbidity can be significant. Optimal treatment strategies for the management of frontal sinus fractures remain controversial. However, it is critical to have a thorough understanding of frontal sinus anatomy as well as the current treatment strategies used to manage these injuries. A thorough physical exam and thin-cut, multiplanar (axial, coronal, and sagittal) computed tomography scan should be performed in all patients suspected of having a frontal sinus fracture. The most appropriate treatment strategy can be determined by assessing five anatomic parameters including the: frontal recess, anterior table integrity, posterior table integrity, dural integrity, and presence of a cerebrospinal fluid leak. A well thought out management strategy and meticulous surgical techniques are critical to success. The primary surgical goal is to provide a safe sinus while minimizing patient morbidity. This article offers an anatomically based treatment algorithm for the management of frontal sinus fractures and highlights the key steps to surgical repair. Full article