Transcanal Blind Sac Closure of the External Auditory Canal After Skull Base Surgery to Treat CSF Leak: Technique and Results. Issue 2 (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kram, Yoseph A.; Lustig, Lawrence R.; McDermott, Michael W.; Cheung, Steven W.
• Is Part Of: Otology & neurotology. Volume 36:Issue 2(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: Blind sac closure of the external auditory canal -- Cerebrospinal fluid otorhinorrhea -- Vestibular schwannoma resection; Otology -- Periodicals; Ear -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Skull base -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.8005
• DOI: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000000452
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1531-7129

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To report outcomes of a novel transcanal blind sac closure technique of the external auditory canal (EAC) with obliteration of the Eustachian tube orifice to treat CSF leaks after skull base surgery. Study Design: Clinical capsule report. Setting: University hospital. Patients: Ten patients who have undergone a transcanal blind sac closure of the EAC after skull base surgery to treat CSF leak between 2004 and 2012. Interventions: Transcanal blind sac closure of the EAC. Main Outcome Measures: Resolution rate of postoperative CSF leak, time to final resolution of CSF leak, and complications. Results: The CSF leak resolution rate, with subsequent conservative management in some cases, is approximately 80%. One case of postsurgical pseudomeningocele was identified. Conclusion: Transcanal blind sac closure of the EAC with obliteration of the Eustachian tube orifice provides a rapid and safe method to treat CSF leak after skull base surgery, without the need to reenter the original surgical wound or mastoid cavity.