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