Combined mastoid/middle cranial fossa repair of temporal bone encephalocele

Temporal bone encephalocele (TBE) has become less common as the incidence of chronic mastoid infection and surgery for this condition has decreased. Due to its declining incidence, the diagnosis of TBE may be delayed and result in the development of serious complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis, epidural or subdural abscess. Six cases of large (>1 cm) TBE of diverse etiology are described. Two patients had suffered previous temporal bone fractures, two had had prior mastoidectomy, and two patients had long-standing chronic mastoiditis. Two patients had undergone prior unsuccessful transmastoid repair. All patients underwent successful tegmen-dural repair with autogenous fascia, bone, and/or cartilage, primarily via a combined mastoid-middle fossa approach. Accurate dural closure and support of intacranial contents are imperative to prevent recurrence. We find that permanent repair can best be performed with a combined mastoid middle cranial fassa approach.