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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
Published on: February 29, 2020
Cerebrospinal fluid leaks of temporal bone origin: etiology and management
Mark Stenzel1, Simon Preuss, Lisa Orloff
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, School of Medicine, Mainz, Germany. stenzel@hno.klinik.uni-mainz.de
Background:
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks of the temporal bone region require surgical treatment as they pose life-threatening risks such as meningitis.
Aim:
The aim of the study was to determine the surgical outcome depending on different operation techniques and grafts.
Method:
We performed a retrospective review of 28 cases of CSF leaks, operated in our department from 1983 to 2002. After a mean follow-up of 8 years, patients were interviewed concerning otorrhea or rhinorrhea and meningitis. In this context, our management of CSF leaks is presented.
Results:
The CSF leak had arisen spontaneously (n = 3), traumatically (n = 6) or postoperatively (n = 19). The surgical CSF leak repairs were performed via a transmastoid (n = 13), a middle fossa (n = 11) or a combined (n = 4) approach. Surgical outcome was independent on the used graft. CSF leak could be sealed in 25 of 28 cases. Only 3 patients suffered from recurrences. Meningitis or other complications did not occur.
Conclusions:
Comparing different techniques and grafts, there were no differences in the surgical outcome.
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