Surgical Repair of Cerebral Spinal Fluid Leaks

Surgical Procedure:  Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Closure

Indications for Surgery:  Leakage of fluid from around the brain into the ear or surrounding structures (trauma, post-surgery, or spontaneous causes)

Anesthesia:  General

Surgical Time:  1 – 5 hours

Hospital Admission:  1 - 4 days

Surgical Procedure:  A combination of approaches tailored to the individual site of leakage. Frequently access from above and below the leak is necessary using a mastoid approach and a middle fossa approach. In many situations tissue is used to repair the leak, but bone replacement cements are necessary.

Miscellaneous:  Cerebrospinal fluid leakage places the patient at risk for meningitis and needs urgent attention.