Universal Sellar Anatomical Reconstruction Using the Sellar Floor Flap after Endoscopic Pituitary Adenoma Surgery

2018 ◽  
Vol 158 (4) ◽  
pp. 774-776 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zixiang Cong ◽  
Kaidong Liu ◽  
Guodao Wen ◽  
Liang Qiao ◽  
Handong Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Pituitary Adenoma ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Anatomical Reconstruction ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Reconstructive Technique ◽  
Sellar Reconstruction ◽  
Sellar Floor ◽  
Csf Leaks

Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks still occur in patients without intraoperative CSF leaks after endoscopic endonasal pituitary adenoma surgery. We propose a reconstructive technique, the sellar floor flap (SFF), for universal sellar anatomical reconstruction. A total of 113 patients without intraoperative CSF leaks after endoscopic endonasal pituitary adenoma surgery from July 2013 to June 2016 were reviewed: 43 underwent sellar reconstruction with the SFF (the SFF group) and 70 underwent sellar packing only (the nonreconstruction group). No case of postoperative CSF leak was reported in the SFF group, whereas 7 cases were reported in the nonreconstruction group ( P < .05). The SFF is suitable for universal reconstruction after endoscopic endonasal pituitary adenoma surgery and may decrease postoperative CSF leak.

A Simple Onlay Sellar Reconstruction Does not Increase the Risk of Postoperative Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak in Well-Selected Patients

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark B. Chaskes ◽  
Judd H. Fastenberg ◽  
Swar Vimawala ◽  
Gurston F. Nyquist ◽  
Mindy R. Rabinowitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Pituitary Adenoma ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Oxidized Cellulose ◽  
Repair Technique ◽  
Sellar Reconstruction ◽  
Csf Leaks

Abstract Objectives A variety of endonasal sellar repair techniques have been described; many of which are complex, expensive, and carry potential morbidity but are felt to be necessary to prevent postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. We propose an effective, technically simple repair for select sellar defects utilizing an onlay of regenerated oxidized cellulose. Design Retrospective review of patients from a single neurosurgeon who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma and sellar reconstruction with only an onlay of regenerated oxidized cellulose. Patients were selected for this repair technique based on the absence of: (1) intraoperative identification of a CSF leak, (2) patulous diaphragm (expanded diaphragm sella herniating to or through sellar floor defect), and (3) other prohibiting comorbidities. Setting The present study was conducted at a tertiary care center. Participants In this study, pituitary adenoma patients were the participants. Outcome Measures Main outcome measure of the study is postoperative CSF leak. Results A total of 172 patients were identified. Of these, 153 were initial resections of pituitary adenomas. Gross total resection was achieved in 142 (82.6%) cases. Average tumor size was 2.2 ± 1.1 cm. Average tumor volume was 10.4 ± 19.8 cm3. No patients had intraoperative CSF leaks. All cases were repaired with only an onlay of regenerated oxidized cellulose. There were two postoperative CSF leaks (1.16%). Pre and postoperative SNOT-22 scores were 12.9 ± 11.9 and 14.3 ± 14.9 (p = 0.796), respectively. Conclusion The use of an onlay of regenerated oxidized cellulose alone is an effective repair technique for select sellar defects. This technique does not result in increased postoperative CSF leak rates and avoids the higher relative cost and potential morbidity associated with more complex, multilayered closures.

A Single Layer Synthetic Dural Substitute Inlay is an Effective Sellar Reconstruction Technique in Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark B. Chaskes ◽  
Tawfiq Khoury ◽  
Chandala Chitguppi ◽  
Pascal Lavergne ◽  
Gurston G. Nyquist ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Adenoma ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Single Layer ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Reconstruction Technique ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Lumbar Drainage ◽  
Dural Substitute ◽  
Sellar Reconstruction ◽  
Csf Leaks

Abstract Objectives A variety of endonasal sellar repair techniques have been described; many are complex, multilayered, and carry potential morbidity. We propose an effective, technically simple single-layer repair for select sellar defects, including those with an intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Our technique utilizes only a synthetic dural substitute inlay and dural sealant glue without packing or lumbar drainage. Design This is a retrospective review-based study. Setting This study was conducted at tertiary care center. Participants Patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma and sellar reconstruction with the aforementioned inlay technique. Patients were selected for this technique if they had an identified intraoperative CSF leak, a patulous diaphragm (expanded and thinned diaphragma sella), or a comorbidity excluding them from a simpler onlay only reconstruction. Outcome Measures Postoperative CSF leak and sinonasal morbidity included in the study Results A total of 409 subjects were identified; 368 were initial resections. Gross total resection of the pituitary adenoma was achieved in 356 (87.0%) cases. Average tumor size was 2.6 ± 1.1 cm. Average tumor volume was 10.8 ± 12.1 cm3. There were 135 intraoperative CSF leaks and 196 patulous diaphragms. There were five postoperative CSF leaks (1.2%), all of which occurred in the first half of our series. Pre- and postoperative sino-nasal outcomes test-22 scores were 19.2 ± 18.2 and 18.8 ± 21.3 (p = 0.492), respectively. Conclusion A synthetic dural substitute inlay and dural sealant glue is an excellent single-layer repair for sellar defects, even those with an intraoperative CSF leak. This technique is highly effective in preventing postoperative CSF leaks and does not utilize packing or lumbar drainage. It also avoids the potential cost and morbidity associated with more complex and multilayered closures.

scholarly journals Identification and repair of intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks in endonasal transsphenoidal pituitary surgery: surgical experience in a series of 1002 patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 129 (2) ◽  
pp. 425-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben A. Strickland ◽  
Joshua Lucas ◽  
Brianna Harris ◽  
Edwin Kulubya ◽  
Joshua Bakhsheshian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Pituitary Adenomas ◽  
Transsphenoidal Approach ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Sellar Region ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Csf Rhinorrhea ◽  
Sellar Lesions ◽  
Sellar Reconstruction ◽  
Csf Leaks

OBJECTIVECerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is among the most common complications following transsphenoidal surgery for sellar region lesions. The aim of this study was to review the authors’ institutional experience in identifying, repairing, and treating CSF leaks associated with direct endonasal transsphenoidal operations.METHODSThe authors performed a retrospective review of cases involving surgical treatment of pituitary adenomas and other sellar lesions at the University of Southern California between December 1995 and March 2016. Inclusion criteria included all pathology of the sellar region approached via a direct microscopic or endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach. Demographics, pathology, intraoperative and postoperative CSF leak rates, and other complications were recorded and analyzed. A literature review of the incidence of CSF leaks associated with the direct endonasal transsphenoidal approach to pituitary lesions was conducted.RESULTSA total of 1002 patients met the inclusion criteria and their cases were subsequently analyzed. Preoperative diagnoses included pituitary adenomas in 855 cases (85.4%), Rathke’s cleft cyst in 94 (9.4%), and other sellar lesions in 53 (5.2%). Lesions with a diameter ≥ 1 cm made up 49% of the series. Intraoperative repair of an identified CSF leak was performed in 375 cases (37.4%) using autologous fat, fascia, or both. An additional 92 patients (9.2%) underwent empirical sellar reconstruction without evidence of an intraoperative CSF leak. Postoperative CSF leaks developed in 26 patients (2.6%), including 13 (1.3% of the overall group) in whom no intraoperative leak was identified. Among the 26 patients who developed a postoperative CSF leak, 13 were noted to have intraoperative leak and underwent sellar repair while the remaining 13 did not have an intraoperative leak or sellar repair. No patients who underwent empirical sellar repair without an intraoperative leak developed a postoperative leak. Eight patients underwent additional surgery (0.8% reoperation rate) for CSF leak repair, and 18 were successfully treated with lumbar drainage or lumbar puncture alone. The incidence of postoperative CSF rhinorrhea in this series was compared with that in 11 other reported series that met inclusion criteria, with incidence rates ranging between 0.6% and 12.1%.CONCLUSIONSIn this large series, half of the patients who developed postoperative CSF rhinorrhea had no evidence of intraoperative CSF leakage. Unidentified intraoperative CSF leaks and/or delayed development of CSF fistulas are equally important sources of postoperative CSF rhinorrhea as the lack of employing effective CSF leak repair methods. Empirical sellar reconstruction in the absence of an intraoperative CSF leak may be of benefit following resection of large tumors, especially if the arachnoid is thinned out and herniates into the sella.

scholarly journals Endoscopic Endonasal Reconstruction of High-Flow Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak with Fascia Lata “Button” Graft and Nasoseptal Flap: Surgical Technique and Case Series

2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (06) ◽  
pp. 645-650
Author(s):  
Roshni V. Khatiwala ◽  
Karthik S. Shastri ◽  
Maria Peris-Celda ◽  
Tyler Kenning ◽  
Carlos D. Pinheiro-Neto
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Fascia Lata ◽  
High Flow ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Nasoseptal Flap ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Skull Base Reconstruction ◽  
Csf Diversion ◽  
Csf Leaks

Abstract Background The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has become increasingly used for resection of skull base tumors in the sellar and suprasellar regions. A nasoseptal flap (NSF) is routinely used for anterior skull base reconstruction; however, there are numerous additional allografts and autografts being used in conjunction with the NSF. The role of perioperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion is also unclear. Objective This study was aimed to analyze success of high-flow CSF leak repair during EEA procedures without use of CSF diversion through lumbar drainage. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients who had intraoperative high-flow CSF leak during EEA procedures at our institution between January 2013 and December 2017 was performed. CSF leaks were repaired with use of a fascia lata button graft and nasoseptal flap, without use of perioperative lumbar drains. Results A total of 38 patients were identified (10 male, 28 female). Patient BMIs ranged from 19.7 to 49 kg/m2 (median = 31 kg/m2), with 18 patients meeting criteria for obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) and 12 patients overweight (25 kg/m2 < BMI < 29.9 kg/m2). There was no incidence of postoperative CSF leak. Conclusion In our experience, the nasoseptal flap used in conjunction with the fascia lata button graft is a safe, effective and robust combination for cranial base reconstruction with high-flow intraoperative CSF leaks, without need for lumbar drains.

scholarly journals Predictive Factors, 30-Day Clinical Outcomes, and Costs Associated with Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak in Pituitary Adenoma Resection

2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (01) ◽  
pp. 043-055 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adish Parikh ◽  
Arjun Adapa ◽  
Stephen E. Sullivan ◽  
Erin L. McKean
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Pituitary Adenoma ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak ◽  
Hospital Charges ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Financial Variables ◽  
Clinical Complications

AbstractCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a complication of endoscopic endonasal pituitary adenoma resection. Previous studies examining complications of pituitary adenoma resection have not examined associations of an exhaustive list of clinical and financial variables with CSF leak. We designed a retrospective analysis of 334 consecutive patients that underwent endoscopic endonasal pituitary adenoma resection at a single institution over 5 years, analyzing associations between CSF leak and demographic data, operative data, comorbidities, clinical complications and outcomes, costs, charges, and payments. Of the 20 preoperative variables studied, none were positively associated with CSF leak in between-groups comparison, although multivariate analysis revealed an association with a history of radiation to the skull base (odds ratio [OR], 8.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94–57.03; p < 0.05). CSF leak was associated with a significantly higher rate of postoperative diabetes insipidus (Δ = 33.4%, p = 0.040) and increased length of stay after operation in between-groups comparison. Multivariate analysis on postoperative variables revealed significant associations between CSF leak and intracerebral hemorrhage (OR, 17.44; 95% CI, 0.65–275.3; p < 0.05) and postoperative intracranial infection (OR, 28.73; 95% CI, 2.04–438.7; p < 0.05). Also, CSF leak was associated with significantly higher costs (Δ = $15,643, p < 0.05) and hospital charges (Δ = $46,026, p < 0.05). Operating room time, room and board, and supplies and implants were the strongest cost drivers. This study highlights the difficulty of utilizing preoperative variables to predict CSF leak, the clinical complications and outcomes of leak, and the financial subcategories that drive the costs, charges, and payments associated with this complication.

Surgical Experience in Prevention of Postoperative CSF Leaks Using Abdominal Fat Grafts in Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Ahn ◽  
Jae-Sung Park ◽  
Do H. Kim ◽  
Sung W. Kim ◽  
Sin-Soo Jeun
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Adenomas ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Abdominal Fat ◽  
Fat Graft ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Tertiary Referral Center ◽  
Fat Grafts ◽  
Sellar Floor ◽  
Csf Leaks

Abstract Objective Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are the most common complication during endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approach (EETSA) and prevention of postoperative CSF leaks is critical. In this study, we report a single surgeon's experience of sellar floor reconstruction using abdominal fat grafts for prevention of postoperative CSF leaks in EETSA for pituitary adenomas. Design This study is presented as case series with retrospective chart review. Setting Present study was conducted at tertiary referral center. Participants A total of 216 patients who underwent surgery via EETSA for pituitary adenomas between 2008 and 2018 at our institution were evaluated. When an intraoperative CSF leak occurred, sellar floor reconstruction was performed using a fat graft harvested from the abdomen via a 2-cm skin incision. Main Outcome Measures Primary outcome and measures of this study was postoperative CSF leaks. Results A total of 53 patients showed intraoperative CSF leaks (24.5%) and 2 patients showed postoperative CSF leaks (0.93%). There were no postoperative CSF leaks in any patients who showed intraoperative CSF leaks and received sellar floor reconstruction using fat grafts. There were also no postoperative CSF leaks in 12 patients who received preventative sellar floor reconstruction using fat grafts due to extensive arachnoid herniation without intraoperative CSF leaks. However, there were two postoperative CSF leaks in patients who did not show intraoperative CSF leaks and did not receive sellar floor reconstruction. Conclusion The effectiveness of sellar floor reconstruction using abdominal fat grafts in patients receiving EETSA for pituitary adenoma was reported. We suggest that identification of intraoperative CSF leaks is important and preventive sellar floor reconstruction without evidence of intraoperative CSF leaks can also be beneficial.

scholarly journals Perfusion-based human cadaveric specimen as a simulation training model in repairing cerebrospinal fluid leaks during endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery

2018 ◽  
Vol 129 (3) ◽  
pp. 792-796 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eisha A. Christian ◽  
Joshua Bakhsheshian ◽  
Ben A. Strickland ◽  
Vance L. Fredrickson ◽  
Ian A. Buchanan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Simulation Training ◽  
Training Model ◽  
High Flow ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Psychomotor Skills ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Cadaveric Specimen ◽  
Csf Leaks

OBJECTIVECompetency in endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs) to repair high-flow cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks is an essential component of the neurosurgical training process. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of a simulation model for EEA repair of anterior skull base CSF leaks.METHODSHuman cadaveric specimens were utilized with a perfusion system to simulate a high-flow CSF leak. Neurological surgery residents (postgraduate year 3 or greater) performed a standard EEA to repair a CSF leak using a combination of fat, fascia lata, and pedicled nasoseptal flaps. A standardized 5-point Likert questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge gained, techniques learned, degree of safety, benefit of CSF perfusion during repair, and pre- and posttraining confidence scores.RESULTSIntrathecal perfusion of fluorescein-infused saline into the ventricular/subarachnoid space was successful in 9 of 9 cases. The addition of CSF reconstitution offered the residents visual feedback for confirmation of intraoperative CSF leak repair. Residents gained new knowledge and a realistic simulation experience by rehearsing the psychomotor skills and techniques required to repair a CSF leak with fat and fascial grafts, as well as to prepare and rotate vascularized nasoseptal flaps. All trainees reported feeling safer with the procedure in a clinical setting and higher average posttraining confidence scores (pretraining 2.22 ± 0.83, posttraining 4.22 ± 0.44, p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSPerfusion-based human cadaveric models can be utilized as a simulation training model for repairing CSF leaks during EEA.

Collagen Sponge Repair of Small Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks Obviates Tissue Grafts and Cerebrospinal Fluid Diversion after Pituitary Surgery

Neurosurgery ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 885-890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel F. Kelly ◽  
R. Jamshid Oskouian ◽  
Igor Fineman
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Transsphenoidal Surgery ◽  
Collagen Sponge ◽  
Fat Graft ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Tumor Removal ◽  
Lumbar Drain ◽  
Tissue Grafts ◽  
Sellar Floor ◽  
Csf Leaks

Abstract OBJECTIVE Repair of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak created at the time of transsphenoidal surgery typically involves placement of a fat, fascial, or muscle graft and sellar floor reconstruction. In this report, a simplified repair for small, “weeping” CSF leaks using collagen sponge is described. METHODS All patients underwent an endonasal transsphenoidal procedure using the operating microscope. At the completion of tumor removal, if a small CSF leak was noted but no obvious large arachnoidal defect was present, a piece of collagen sponge was fashioned to cover the exposed diaphragma sellae. Titanium mesh was then wedged into the intrasellar, extradural space and a larger piece of collagen was placed over the reconstructed sellar floor. Nasal packing was removed within 24 hours. RESULTS During an 18-month period, 62 consecutive transsphenoidal procedures were performed for tumor removal. Of 20 patients with a small CSF leak (18 pituitary adenomas, 1 Rathke's cleft cyst, and 1 chordoma), all had successful repair with collagen sponge. At follow-up examinations at 1 to 18 months, no patient had required a lumbar drain or had developed meningitis. One other patient had a large intraoperative arachnoidal defect that was unsuccessfully repaired with the collagen sponge technique; in this patient, a second operation was required with a fat graft, sellar floor reconstruction, and lumbar drainage. CONCLUSION A simplified repair of small CSF leaks after transsphenoidal surgery using a two-layered collagen sponge technique with sellar floor reinforcement is thought to be safe and effective and obviates the need for tissue grafts, fibrin glue, or lumbar drain placement.

scholarly journals Prevention of Intra-Operative Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks by Lumbar Cerebrospinal Fluid Drainage during Endoscopic Endonasal Trans- Sphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Macroadenomas

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-56
Author(s):  
Mohammad Shahnawaz Bari ◽  
Shaireen Akhtar ◽  
Md Shamsul Alam ◽  
Md Atikur Rahman ◽  
Asifur Rahman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Transsphenoidal Surgery ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage ◽  
Pituitary Macroadenoma ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Lumbar Drain ◽  
Csf Drainage ◽  
Csf Leaks ◽  
Pituitary Macroadenomas

Aim and Objective: Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak is a recognized complication of endoscopic endonasal trans- sphenoidal surgery for pituitary macroadenomas. In this study we assess the utility of prophylactic use of lumbar drain in preventing intra-operative cerebrospinal fluid leakage during endscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary macroadenoma which will ultimately reduce the rate of persistent post-operative cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Materials and Methods: 34 patients who underwent endscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary macroadenoma were dividedd into two groups by non-probability convenient sampling technique. In one group of which lumbar subarachnoid drain were given just before induction of anesthesia named LD Group and another group went through conventional method without giving lumbar drain named No LD Group. In all patients of LD Group 20-30 ml of CSF was drawn through lumbar drain before giving dural incision. Valsalva maneuver was used in each group to identify intraoperative CSF leaks at the end of definitive surgery before repairing the sellar floor.Zero degree rigid endoscope was used in all cases. Intraoperative CSF leak was categorized as ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ which was decided by surgeon.Lumbar drains were removed within 24 hours of operation in 16 patients of LD Group and in case 1,who developed intraoperative CSF leak, lumbar drain was removed later. Results: Thirty four patients were eligible for inclusion, of which 17 were assigned to the LD Group and 17 to the no LD Group. There were no statistically significant differences in patient demographics, tumor pathology, or radiology between the two groups. In LD Group intraoperative CSF leak occurred in 1(5.9%) patient and leak did not occur in 16(94.1%) patients, in No LD Group intraoperative CSF leak occurred in 14(82.4%) patients and leak did not occur in 3(17.6%) patients. Intraoperative CSF drainage significantly reduced the incidence of intraoperative CSF leaks from 82.4% in the No LD group to 5.9% in the LD group (P < 0.001). There were no catheter related complications. Conclusion: Intraoperative CSF drainage significantly reduces the incidence of intraoperative CSF leakage in patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary macroadenomas. Bang. J Neurosurgery 2020; 10(1): 52-56

Risk Factors and Reconstruction Techniques for Persistent Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Endonasal Approach to the Posterior Fossa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio Torres-Bayona ◽  
Nathalia Velasquez ◽  
Ana Nakassa ◽  
Aldo Eguiluz-Melendez ◽  
Vanessa Hernandez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Dural Defects ◽  
Csf Leaks

Abstract Background High-flow skull base dural defects are associated with an increased risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. Objective This study aimed to identify the risk factors for persistent postoperative CSF leak after endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) and determine the ideal reconstruction strategy after initial failed repair. Methods Patients with CSF leak after intradural EES between October 2000 and February 2017 were identified. Cases with persistent CSF leak were compared with patients with similar pathologic diagnosis without a persistent leak to identify additional risk factors. Results Two hundred and twenty-three out of 3,232 patients developed postoperative CSF leak. Persistent leaks requiring more than one postoperative repair occurred in 7/223 patients (3.1%). All seven had undergone intradural approach to the posterior fossa for resection of recurrent/residual clival chordomas. This group was matched with 25 patients with recurrent/residual clival chordoma who underwent EES without postoperative CSF leak (control group). Age, gender, history of diabetes, smoking, or radiotherapy were not statistically different between the groups. Obesity (body mass index > 30) was significantly more common in the group with persistent leak (86%) compared with controls (36%) (p = 0.02). All patients with a persistent CSF leak developed meningitis (p = 0.001). Five patients with persistent leak required a pericranial flap to achieve definitive repair. Conclusion Multiple recurrent CSF leak after EES primarily occurs following resection of recurrent/residual posterior fossa chordoma. Obesity is a major risk factor and meningitis is universal with persistent leak. Flap necrosis may play a role in the development of persistent CSF leaks, and the use of secondary vascularized flaps, specifically extracranial–pericranial flaps, should be considered as an early rescue option in obese patients.

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