CSF Leak Repair Of Cribriform Plate

Indications:

• Spontaneous, traumatic, or iatrogenic CSF leak

Highlights:

• Edges of skull base defect identified and freshened
• Underlay cartilage graft placed extra-durally
• Free mucosal graft from septum or turbinate placed over defect
• Graft held firmly in place with absorbable packing material

Keep in Mind/Things to Remember:

• Most intraop leaks can be successfully closed with one-layer repair
• Spontaneous leaks are often closed with two layers
• A non-absorbable packing material may be placed for a one-week period of time in order to further bolster the repair site