Original Paper

Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks of Temporal Bone Origin: Etiology and Management
Mark Stenzel^a, Simon Preuss^a, Lisa Orloff^b, Peter Jecker^a, Wolf Mann<sup>a

a</sup>Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, School of Medicine, Mainz, Germany;
^bDivision of Otolaryngology, University of California, San Diego, Calif., USA

Address of Corresponding Author

ORL 2005;67:51-55 (DOI: 10.1159/000084306)

  Key Words

• Cerebrospinal fluid leak
• Temporal bone
• Tegmen defect
• Dural leak

  Abstract

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 © 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Mark J. Stenzel, MD
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Mainz
Langenbeckstr. 1
DE-55131 Mainz (Germany)
Tel. +49 6131 171, Fax +49 6131 176637, E-Mail stenzel@hno.klinik.uni-mainz.de

  Article Information

Received: May 18, 2004
Accepted: October 1, 2004
Published online: March 7, 2005
Number of Print Pages : 5
Number of Figures : 1, Number of Tables : 1, Number of References : 25