Risk factors impacting intra- and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea on the endoscopic treatment of pituitary adenomas: A retrospective study of 250 patients.

ABSTRACT: We aimed to identify the risk factors associated with intra- and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage in pituitary adenomas treated with endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery.This study is a retrospective analysis of 250 pituitary adenoma cases from January 2017 to December 2019 at our hospital. All patients underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgeries. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the risk factors associated with intra- and postoperative CSF rhinorrhea.Eighty (32.0%) and nine (3.6%) patients had intra- and postoperative CSF leakage, respectively. Tumor size was an independent risk factor for intraoperative CSF leakage (odds ratio [OR], 1.229; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.133-1.334; P < .001); intraoperative CSF leakage was an independent risk factor for postoperative CSF leakage (OR, 7.707; 95% CI, 1.336-44.455; P = .022). Chronic respiratory disease (OR, 57.500; 95% CI, 8.031-411.682; P < .001) was also an independent risk factor for postoperative CSF leakage. Vascularized septal mucosal flap was a protective factor (OR, 0.107; 95% CI, 0.013-0.894; P = .039).Intraoperative CSF leakage is more likely to occur in large pituitary adenomas. In the presence of intraoperative CSF leakage, postoperative CSF rhinorrhea is very likely to occur. Patients with chronic respiratory disease are also more likely to develop postoperative CSF leakage. The sellar base reconstructed using vascularized nasal septal flaps can significantly decrease the risk. The Knosp grade, degree of tumor resection, and postoperative use of a lumbar subarachnoid drain did not have any effects on postoperative CSF rhinorrhea.

Intradural Clinoidectomy: A Tailored Osteotomy for Approaching the Paraclinoid Carotid Artery and Interpeduncular Cisterns.

Anterior clinoidectomy is an important tool for neurovascular and skull base surgeons. This technique is cardinal for expanding access to the sella, proximal carotid artery, and central skull base. The goal of anterior clinoidectomy is to reveal the more proximal ophthalmic and clinoidal segments of the internal carotid artery while unroofing the optic canal and skeletonizing the proximal optic nerve. This maneuver expands the opticocarotid and carotid-oculomotor access windows and therefore the operative corridor to the interpeduncular cisterns.

CSF Rhinorrhoea After Endonasal Intervention to the Skull Base (CRANIAL) - Part 1: Multicenter Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: CRANIAL (CSF Rhinorrhoea After Endonasal Intervention to the Skull Base) is a prospective multicenter observational study seeking to determine 1) the scope of skull base repair methods used and 2) corresponding rates of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea in the endonasal transsphenoidal approach (TSA) and the expanded endonasal approach (EEA) for skull base tumors. We sought to pilot the project, assessing the feasibility and acceptability by gathering preliminary data. METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study was piloted at 12 tertiary neurosurgical units in the United Kingdom. Feedback regarding project positives and challenges were qualitatively analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 187 cases were included: 159 TSA (85%) and 28 EEA (15%). The most common diseases included pituitary adenomas (n = 142/187), craniopharyngiomas (n = 13/187). and skull base meningiomas (n = 4/187). The most common skull base repair techniques used were tissue glues (n = 132/187, most commonly Tisseel), grafts (n = 94/187, most commonly fat autograft or Spongostan) and vascularized flaps (n = 51/187, most commonly nasoseptal). These repairs were most frequently supported by nasal packs (n = 125/187) and lumbar drains (n = 20/187). Biochemically confirmed CSF rhinorrhea occurred in 6/159 patients undergoing TSA (3.8%) and 2/28 patients undergoing EEA (7.1%). Four patients undergoing TSA (2.5%) and 2 patients undergoing EEA (7.1%) required operative management for CSF rhinorrhea (CSF diversion or direct repair). Qualitative feedback was largely positive (themes included user-friendly and efficient data collection and strong support from senior team members), demonstrating acceptability. CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot experience highlights the acceptability and feasibility of CRANIAL. There is a precedent for multicenter dissemination of this project, to establish a benchmark of contemporary practice in skull base neurosurgery, particularly with respect to patients undergoing EEA.

CSF rhinorrhoea after endonasal intervention to the anterior skull base (CRANIAL): proposal for a prospective multicentre observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The endonasal transsphenoidal approach (TSA) has emerged as the preferred approach in order to treat pituitary adenoma and related sellar pathologies. The recently adopted expanded endonasal approach (EEA) has improved access to the ventral skull base whilst retaining the principles of minimally invasive surgery. Despite the advantages these approaches offer, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea remains a common complication. There is currently a lack of comparative evidence to guide the best choice of skull base reconstruction, resulting in considerable heterogeneity of current practice. This study aims to determine: (1) the scope of the methods of skull base repair; and (2) the corresponding rates of postoperative CSF rhinorrhoea in contemporary neurosurgical practice in the UK and Ireland. METHODS: We will adopt a multicentre, prospective, observational cohort design. All neurosurgical units in the UK and Ireland performing the relevant surgeries (TSA and EEA) will be eligible to participate. Eligible cases will be prospectively recruited over 6 months with 6 months of postoperative follow-up. Data points collected will include: demographics, tumour characteristics, operative data), and postoperative outcomes. Primary outcomes include skull base repair technique and CSF rhinorrhoea (biochemically confirmed and/or requiring intervention) rates. Pooled data will be analysed using descriptive statistics. All skull base repair methods used and CSF leak rates for TSA and EEA will be compared against rates listed in the literature. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Formal institutional ethical board review was not required owing to the nature of the study - this was confirmed with the Health Research Authority, UK. CONCLUSIONS: The need for this multicentre, prospective, observational study is highlighted by the relative paucity of literature and the resultant lack of consensus on the topic. It is hoped that the results will give insight into contemporary practice in the UK and Ireland and will inform future studies.

Transorbital Endoscopic Approach for Repair of Frontal Sinus Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks: Case-Series.

OBJECTIVES: To highlight the feasibility and evaluate the outcomes of the transorbital endoscopic approach (TOEA) in the management of frontal sinus cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: The database of patients with frontal sinus CSF leaks managed with TOEA from January 2017 through December 2019 at our institution was reviewed. Two videos of clinical case examples are presented. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (10 males, 6 females, mean age 53; range 21-61 years) underwent TOEA through the superior eyelid corridor for the repair of frontal sinus CSF leak. The most common etiology of the CSF leak was trauma (nine cases; 56.3%), followed by injury from iatrogenic causes in six cases (37.5%), and spontaneous leak in one case (6.2%). Average defect size was 8.8 mm (range 2.0-20.8 mm). Ten patients were revision cases who had undergone prior nontransorbital CSF leak repair at outside institutions. All patients underwent successful repair via TOEA without postoperative complications. Complete resolution was maintained in all cases. Mean follow-up period was 11 months (range 6-22 months). CONCLUSIONS: TOEA is a safe minimally disruptive alternative for definitive management of frontal sinus CSF leak in well-selected primary or revision cases. Further studies are necessary to define its indications and outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:1753-1757, 2021.

Clipping Technique for the Repair of the Intraoperative Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage during Transsphenoidal Pituitary Tumor Surgery.

BACKGROUND: During transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for a pituitary adenoma with a large suprasellar extension, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage commonly develops from a defect in the arachnoid recess or the arachnoid membrane. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of a newly developed clipping technique for the repair of intraoperative CSF leakage. METHODS: Between September 2012 and November 2016, 698 patients with pituitary adenoma were operated on with TSS. Intraoperative CSF leakage was encountered in 301 patients (43.1%). The clipping technique was used to repair CSF leakage in 144 patients: from the arachnoid recess in 100 patients and from the arachnoid membrane in 44 patients. The clipping technique used titanium clips and a newly designed clip applier. We evaluated anterior pituitary function of the patients whose CSF leakage was closed by clipping, and compared this with function in another patient group treated with different repair techniques. RESULTS: We successfully applied clip technique in 140 out of 144 patients. This clipping technique was faster and easier for repairing CSF leakage than our previously published suture technique. In our early series, 4 patients developed unexpected CSF rhinorrhea after TSS. We found no difference in anterior pituitary function between a clipping group and others. Although titanium clip was identified on postoperative MRI, its metallic scattered artifact was very minimal and did not hinder the detection of possible remnant and recurrent tumors. CONCLUSION: This clipping technique is a very simple and reliable method for repairing intraoperative CSF leakage when properly applied with caution.

Occurrence of occult CSF leaks during standard FESS procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of occult cerebrospinal fluid leaks (CSF) after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and to evaluate the diagnostic performance of beta2-transferrin in blood-contaminated conditions. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: An analysis of 57 intraoperative samples using hydrogel 6 beta2-transferrin assay after FESS was undertaken. In case of CSF positive samples and continuing rhinorrhea, reanalysis after more than 1 year was conducted. In-vivo analysis of a primary spontaneous CSF leak sample took place to verify difficulties in detecting beta2-transferrin in blood-contaminated settings. Own titrations were performed to evaluate detection limits of CSF by beta2-transferrin and beta-trace protein assays in these settings. RESULTS: An incidence of 13% for occult CSF leaks after FESS was found. In blood-contaminated conditions, routine beta2-transferrin assays showed low sensitivity. In over 1 year follow-up, all samples were negative for CSF and none of them developed clinical relevant CSF leaks or meningitis. CONCLUSION: Occult and clinically irrelevant CSF leaks do occur in a significant proportion of patients during and shortly after FESS. Intra- and postoperatively, routine beta2-transferrin assays show low sensitivity. They should not be used in these settings. The clinical course of patients with occult CSF leaks indicated possibility of an uneventful follow-up.

Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea following transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma: experience in a Chinese centre.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the risk factors for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea following transsphenoidal surgery and discuss its prevention and treatments. We retrospectively reviewed 474 consecutive cases of pituitary adenoma treated with 485 transsphenoidal surgical procedures from January 2008 to December 2011 in our department. We analysed the incidence of intra- and post-operative CSF leakage and outcomes of various repair strategies. Intra-operative CSF leakage was encountered in 85 cases (17.9%), and post-operative CSF rhinorrhoea in 13 cases (2.7%). Seven of the 13 patients with post-operative CSF rhinorrhoea did not experience intra-operative CSF leakage; three of these patients had adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting adenomas. Of the remaining 6 patients with both intra- and post-operative CSF leakage, 2 were treated for giant invasive prolactinomas, and 2 had previously undergone transsphenoidal surgery. In eight patients, the leak was resolved by lumbar puncture, lumbar external drainage, resting in a semi-reclining position, or other conservative treatment. Two CSF leaks were repaired with gelatine foam and fibrin glue using a transsphenoidal approach, and two with autologous fat graft and sellar floor reconstruction using a transnasal endoscopic approach. After undergoing two transnasal endoscopic repairs, one patient with post-operative CSF rhinorrhoea was successfully treated by further lumbar subarachnoid drainage. In conclusion, procedures using gelatine foam, fibrin glue and autologous fat graft are common and effective techniques for the management of CSF rhinorrhoea after transsphenoidal surgery. When a CSF leak is detected during transsphenoidal surgery, thorough sellar reconstruction and long-term follow-up are necessary.

Reconstructive outcome of intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak after endoscopic endonasal surgery for tumors involving skull base.

Endoscopic transnasal surgery for tumors located at the base of the skull has a high incidence of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. Here, we assessed the repair outcomes for high-flow CSF leaks based upon the tumor location, and analyzed the reasons for repair failure after transnasal endoscopic surgery solely for tumors involving the base of the skull. From Feb. 2009 to Dec. 2014 we performed endoscopic endonasal surgery for a variety of skull base lesions in 788 patients at our institution. Among them, 95 patients with intradural skull base tumors underwent endoscopic transnasal surgery. We performed surgical repairs with a multilayered nonvascularized construct (38 patients) and a vascularized pedicled nasoseptal flap construct combined with a fascia graft (57 patients). Overall, 14 of 95 patients (14.7%) who underwent endoscopic transnasal surgery for skull base tumors developed postoperative CSF leaks. The major causes of repair failure included graft disruption by a lack of counter-pressure in the multilayered non-vascularized technique, and inadequate drilling of the sphenoid bone, displacement of the flap due to pressure from CSF or gravity, or disruption of flap integrity in the vascularized pedicled flap technique. Logistic regression analysis revealed that there was no significant association between repair failure and age, sex, type of reconstructive method used, and primary tumor type (p>0.05). Reconstruction after endoscopic endonasal surgery remained challenging, especially for non-pituitary skull base tumors requiring intra-arachnoidal dissection. Recent advances in reconstructive techniques require the accumulation of experiences with sufficient dexterity to achieve an acceptable morbidity rate.

Learning curve for the endoscopic endonasal approach for suprasellar craniopharyngiomas.

The endoscopic endonasal approach is considered an alternative minimally invasive approach for suprasellar craniopharyngiomas. However, the complicated surgical manipulations required by this approach have limited its application. We evaluate whether the approach features a learning curve. Thirty-three patients were retrospectively reviewed and grouped as early (17 patients) and late (16 patient) groups. The operation time, extent of removal, ophthalmology, endocrinology, reconstruction and modifications of standard technique were evaluated. Between the two groups, the operation time decreased from 201.1±105.3min in the early group to 107.6±90.0min in the late group (p<0.05). Regarding clinical outcomes, non-significantly increasing trends toward the rate of gross total resection, visual improvement and (from 76.5% to 87.5%, 73.3% to 93.3%), significantly decreasing trends toward the rate of tumor recurrence (from 23.5% to 0% p<0.05) and non-significantly decreasing trends toward the rate of hypopituitarism recovery (26.7% to 0%) were observed between the two groups. With respect to complications, non-statistically significant decreasing trends toward transient cranial nerve paralysis (from 5.9% to 0%) and non-statistically significant increasing trends toward rate of CSF leakage, meningitis and new hypothyroidism (from 11.8% to 25%, 11.8% to 31.3%, 0 to 3%) were observed. We identified a learning curve for the endoscopic endonasal approach for suprasellar craniopharyngiomas. The exact number of patients necessary to establish a significant improvement in the clinical outcomes and decrease in the complications warrants further investigation. The outcomes of tumor recurrence may be associated with duration of follow-up. The CSF leakage represented the most common complication.

Efficacy of endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease in 230 patients with positive and negative MRI.

OBJECT: The primary objective was to assess the remission rate, and the secondary objectives were to evaluate the early complications and recurrence rate and to define the predictive factors for the remission and recurrence rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective single-center study included 230 consecutive patients, operated on by a single surgeon for Cushing's disease via a transsphenoidal endoscopic endonasal approach, over a 6-year period (2008-2013). The patients included in this series were all adults (>18 years of age), who presented with clinical and biological characteristics of Cushing's disease confirmed based on dedicated MRI pituitary imaging. Biochemical remission was defined as a postoperative serum cortisol level <5 µg/dl on the 2nd day following surgery that required glucocorticoid replacement therapy. RESULTS: The remission rate for the global population (n = 230) with a follow-up of 21 ± 19.2 months concerned 182 patients (79.1%) divided into 132 patients (82.5%) with positive MRI and 50 patients (71.4%) with negative MRI with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.077). Complications occurred in 77 patients with no deaths. A total of 22% of patients had transient diabetes insipidus and 6.4% long-term diabetes insipidus, and no postoperatively CSF leakage was observed. The recurrence rate was 9.8% with a mean time of 32.7 ± 15.2 months. The predictive factors for the remission rate were the presence of pituitary microadenoma and a positive histology. No risk factors were involved regarding the recurrence rate. CONCLUSION: Whatever the MRI results, the transsphenoidal endonasal endoscopic approach remains the gold standard treatment for Cushing's disease. It was maximally effective with a remission rate of 79.1% and lower morbidity.

Lower airway disease and pituitary surgery: Is there an association with postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak?

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To explore the relationship between lower airway disease and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea among patients undergoing pituitary surgery STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. METHODS: A retrospective review of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's 2013 National Inpatient Sample was conducted to characterize the hospital stay and surgical outcomes of patients undergoing pituitary surgery. Patients with lower airway disease (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) were compared to a disease-free population identifying demographics and complications over-represented in the lower airway group. RESULTS: The majority of hypophysectomies (92.1%) were performed via a transsphenoidal approach. Among transsphenoidal patients, individuals with asthma (92.8% of the lower airway disease cohort) harbored a greater postoperative CSF leak rate (4.7% vs. 2.7%, P = .022), and were more likely to develop postoperative diabetes insipidus (6.2% vs. 4.1%, P = .024) and neurological complications (13.0% vs. 9.6%, P = .010) when compared to a lower airway disease-free cohort. Patients with CSF rhinorrhea had longer lengths of stay (7.8 days vs. 4.5 days, P < .001) and higher discharge costs ($148,309 vs. $76,246, P < .001). A binary logistic regression model identified having asthma (P = .042), being female (P = .011), and having gastroesophageal reflux disease (P = .006) as independent predictors of postoperative CSF rhinorrhea. CONCLUSIONS: Several patient comorbidities including asthma are associated with a greater risk of postoperative CSF rhinorrhea. Perioperative lower airway assessment and disease control may potentially decrease one's risk of this complication, although further inquiry is urgently needed to identify optimal preventive strategies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2c. Laryngoscope, 127:1543-1550, 2017.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Infection Associated with Silver-Impregnated External Ventricular Drain Catheters.

OBJECTIVE: Silver-impregnated external ventricular drains (EVDs) have reduced the number of cases of ventriculitis. Risk factors for developing ventriculitis associated with plain EVD catheters have been well documented and incorporated into clinical practice, but risk factors in association with silver EVDs are unknown. Therefore, we sought to determine the risk factors for developing ventriculitis in patients with a silver EVD. METHODS: Prospectively collected data on consecutive patients undergoing insertion of a silver-impregnated EVD between October 2011 and September 2013 were analyzed. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infection was defined as positive CSF microbiologic culture. Univariate and multivariate regression was performed to identify independent risk factors for CSF infection. RESULTS: There were 362 EVDs placed in 263 patients (142 women; median age 52 years; interquartile range, 40-62 years). There were 15 infections (6.4 per 1000 days of EVD drainage) recorded. Gram-negative organisms (8 of 15) were most commonly observed, although Staphylococcus was the most common genus (7 of 15; 46%) identified. Univariate analysis indicated that patients requiring EVD replacement (P < 0.0001), patients requiring bilateral EVDs (P < 0.0001), and patients with a CSF leak (P < 0.0001) were at increased risk of infection. Only need for EVD replacement remained significant on multivariate analysis (P < 0.0001, odds ratio = 15.9, confidence interval = 4.5-55.9). CONCLUSIONS: We identified an infection rate of 5.2% in this large contemporary series of patients undergoing silver EVD insertion according to a set protocol. These data suggest that targeting strategies to reduce Staphylococcus species is important, and increased vigilance for an increased incidence of gram-negative organisms is needed. Decreasing the need for EVD replacement is important in reducing infection rates further.

Endoscopic endonasal multilayer repair of traumatic CSF rhinorrhea.

The incidence of traumatic CSF has increased in recent years due to increased incidence of road traffic accidents (RTA) as well the increasing number of endoscopic sinus surgeries (ESS). The objective of this study is to present our experience in management of traumatic CSF leaks using the endoscopic multilayer repair technique. Forty-two patients (aged 10-75 years, 30 males and 12 females) presenting with confirmed post-traumatic CSF rhinorrhea were operated upon between January 2007 and December 2013. The endoscopic multilayer technique was used in all cases. Electromagnetic navigation was used in some cases. All cases presented with intermittent watery rhinorrhea. The duration of the rhinorrhea ranged from 3 days to 1 year before repair. One case presented after 10 years from the causative trauma. Ten cases had a history of meningitis. Nine cases had more than one defect. Iatrogenic defects were larger than defects following accidental trauma. Two cases, following RTA, developed pseudo-aneurysm of internal carotid artery. Ten cases had associated pneumocephalus. The mean duration of postoperative hospitalization was 6 days (range 4-8 days). The mean follow-up duration was 31.2 +/- 11.4 months (range 16-48 months). None of our patient developed serious intra- or postoperative complications. Only one case required another surgery to repair a missed second defect. Post-traumatic CSF leaks can be successfully managed via the endonasal endoscopic route using the multilayer repair technique. It is important to look for multiple defects in these cases. CT angiography is recommended for traumatic leaks involving the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus to diagnose or exclude the development of pseudo-aneurysm of the internal carotid artery.

Supraorbital Keyhole Approach to the Skull Base: Evaluation of Complications Related to CSF Fistulas and Opened Frontal Sinus.

AIM: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea due to a breach in the frontal sinus (FS) presents one of the main postoperative complications of the supraorbital keyhole approach. The goal of this study was to further analyze the actual surgical morbidity and potential risk for patients due to an opened FS after a surgery via a supraorbital craniotomy and compare the results with data published in the current literature. METHODS AND PATIENTS: A total of 350 consecutive patients who underwent surgeries via the supraorbital keyhole approach for various lesions were included in this retrospective study. Information on clinical history, neurologic symptoms, surgical approach, and postoperative complications was obtained retrospectively by a review of the patients' charts, the radiologic reports, and a thorough review of pre- and postoperative cranial computed tomography (CCT) imaging. RESULTS: The frequency of CSF rhinorrhea after this type of craniotomy in the literature is reported to range between 0% and 9.1%. In this study, analysis of postoperative CCT scans revealed that 88 patients (25.1%) showed a radiographic breach of the FS. Only 8 of these patients (2.3%) developed a CSF leak with rhinorrhea postoperatively. In all cases conservative treatment with lumbar drainage failed, and therefore a surgical revision for permanent closure was required. Only one patient (0.3%) with a CSF leak also developed meningitis. CONCLUSION: Inadvertent opening of the FS during the supraorbital craniotomy is a common surgery-related morbidity; however, the risk for the patient to develop a potentially dangerous meningitis was found to be minimal.

Patterns and sequelae of sphenoid sinus fractures.

BACKGROUND: The sphenoid sinus is one of the most commonly fractured regions of the skull base after blunt head trauma. These fractures may be associated with complications such as blunt carotid artery injury (BCAI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Association of these sequelae with sphenoid sinus fractures has yet to be analyzed thoroughly in the literature. OBJECTIVE: Analyze patterns of traumatic sphenoid sinus fractures and assess relationships between fracture patterns and incidence of BCAI and traumatic nasal CSF leaks. METHODS: A retrospective review of 123 patients sustaining sphenoid sinus fractures was performed. Patient medical records and radiographic images were reviewed. Fractures were classified based on the sinus walls involved. Logistic and linear regressions were used to analyze associations between injury mechanisms, fracture subsites, and sequelae. RESULTS: The most commonly fractured sphenoid sinus subsites included the carotid canal, sphenoid roof, and lateral wall (60%, 49% and 48%, respectively). CSF leaks occurred in 9% of sphenoid sinus fractures, whereas BCAI occurred in 1.6%. On logistic regression, sphenoid roof fractures were significantly associated with CSF leaks (odds ratio [OR] = 12.4, p = 0.002). No fracture subsite was associated with BCAI. The positive predictive value (PPV) of sphenoid roof fractures for the presence of CSF leaks was 17%, whereas the negative predictive value (NPV) was 98%. The PPV of carotid canal fractures for BCAI was 3%, whereas the NPV was 100%. There was no association between the number of fractured sinus walls and the incidence of BCAI or CSF leak. Penetrating injuries were significantly associated with CSF leak (OR = 24.7, p = 0.01), but no other injury mechanisms were associated with BCAI or CSF leak. CONCLUSION: Nasal CSF leak was the most common sequela of sphenoid sinus fractures, whereas BCAI was extremely uncommon. Analysis of fracture patterns can be useful in determining the need for additional evaluation.

Rhinorrhoea in the elderly.

The ageing population has various medical problems, ranging from relatively minor to truly severe. The ageing process includes physiological changes that can also aggravate sinonasal problems such as rhinorrhoea. As one of the most troublesome condition of this population, the causes of rhinorrhea can be classified as "age related, medication induced, secondary to rhinitis and other causes (tumour, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, etc.)". The underlying aetiology should be meticulously investigated. Although common conditions such as "allergic or infectious rhinitis" are relatively easy to diagnose and threat, more serious causes such as "primary spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea" are hard to manage. The treatment options should be individualised to the patient according to his or her metabolic, cardiac and central nervous system status. Rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment of the pathology would not only increase the quality of life but also decrease morbidity and mortality of this population. As a conclusion, rhinorrhoea in the elderly is an important condition that should not be overlooked.

Complications following powered endoscopic sinus surgery: an 11 year study on 1190 patients in a single institute in Israel.

BACKGROUND: Over the past 20 years, advances in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) techniques have led to widespread applications of this technology in both adult and pediatric populations with better results and lower morbidity. OBJECTIVES: To update data regarding the rate of minor and major complications following ESS procedures that used powered instrumentation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients who, with general anesthesia, underwent ESS utilizing powered instrumentation between January 1996 and December 2006. Age, gender, indication for surgery, length of hospitalization, and type and rate of surgical complications were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 1190 patients were included in our study (1309 surgeries). The male:female ratio was 1.7:1.0 and the average age was 39 years (range 4-86 years). The most common indication for surgery was chronic rhinosinusitis. The rate of major complications was 0.31% and that of minor complications 1.37%. The only major complication that occurred was cerebrospinal fluid leak. The minor complications included epistaxis, periorbital emphysema, ecchymosis and mucocele formation. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to previously published series, the rate of major and minor complications in our study was low. The results indicate that the use of powered instruments during ESS is safe.

Risk factors for postoperative CSF leakage after elective craniotomy and the efficacy of fleece-bound tissue sealing against dural suturing alone: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECT: Cerebrospinal fluid leakage is an immanent risk of cranial surgery with dural opening. Recognizing the risk factors for this complication and improving the technique of dural closure may reduce the associated morbidity and its surgical burden. The aim of this paper was to investigate whether the addition of TachoSil on top of the dural suture reduces postoperative CSF leakage compared with dural suturing alone and to assess the frequency and risk factors for dural leakage and potentially related complications after elective craniotomy. METHODS: The authors conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blinded single-center trial in patients undergoing elective craniotomy with dural opening. They compared their standard dural closure by running suture alone (with the use of a dural patch if needed) to the same closure with the addition of TachoSil on top of the suture. The primary end point was the incidence of CSF leakage, defined as CSF collection or any open CSF fistula within 30 days. Secondary end points were the incidence of infection, surgical revision, and length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) or intermediate care (IMC) unit. The site of craniotomy, a history of diabetes mellitus, a diagnosis of meningioma, the intraoperative need of a suturable dural substitute, and blood parameters were assessed as potential risk factors for CSF leakage. RESULTS: The authors enrolled 241 patients, of whom 229 were included in the analysis. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage, mostly self-limiting subgaleal collections, occurred in 13.5% of patients. Invasive treatment was performed in 8 patients (3.5%) (subgaleal puncture in 6, lumbar drainage in 1, and surgical revision in 1 patient). Diabetes mellitus, a higher preoperative level of C-reactive protein (CRP), and the intraoperative need for a dural patch were positively associated with the occurrence of the primary end point (p = 0.014, 0.01, and 0.049, respectively). Cerebrospinal fluid leakage (9.7% vs 17.2%, OR 0.53 [95% CI 0.23-1.15], p = 0.108) and infection (OR 0.18 [95% CI 0.01-1.18], p = 0.077) occurred less frequently in the study group than in the control group. TachoSil significantly reduced the probability of staying in the IMC unit for 1 day or longer (OR 0.53 [95% CI 0.27-0.99], p = 0.048). Postoperative epidural hematoma and empyema occurred in the control group but not in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: Dural leakage after elective craniotomy/durotomy occurs more frequently in association with diabetes mellitus, elevated preoperative CRP levels, and the intraoperative need of a dural patch. This randomized controlled trial showed no statistically significant reduction of postoperative CSF leakage and surgical site infections upon addition of TachoSil on the dural suture, but there was a significant reduction in the length of stay in the IMC unit. Dural augmentation with TachoSil was safe and not related to adverse events. Clinical trial registration no. NCT00999999 ( http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov ).