Abstract
Background Transnasal endoscopic resection (TER) has become the treatment of choice for many
skull base tumors. A major limitation of TER is the management of large dural defects
and the need for repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, particularly among patients
who are treated with chemotherapy (CTX) or radiotherapy (RT). The objective of this
study is to determine the impact of CTX and RT on the success of CSF leak repair after
TER.
Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of a single-institution experience of TER
from 1992 to 2011.
Results We identified 28 patients who had endoscopic CSF leak repair after resection of malignant
skull base tumors. Preoperative RT was utilized in 18 patients, and 9 had undergone
CTX. All patients required CSF leak repair with rotational flaps after cribriform
and/or dural resection. CSF leak repair failed in three patients (11%). A history
of RT or CTX was not associated with failed CSF leak repair.
Conclusion Adjuvant or neoadjuvant CTX or RT is not associated with failed CSF leak repair.
Successful CSF leak repair can be performed in patients with malignant skull base
tumors with an acceptable risk profile.
Keywords
cerebrospinal fluid leak - endonasal endoscopic surgery - skull base tumors - skull
base reconstruction - chemotherapy - radiotherapy - postoperative complications -
pedicled septal mucosal flap - neurological sequelae - neurosurgical patients