A new technique for single-person fascia lata harvest

Reconstitution of a watertight dural closure at the conclusion of most neurosurgical operations is a very important step to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leak, encephalocele formation, or infection. If sufficient native dura is not available to accomplish this goal, a dural substitute is required.

We have developed a system of single-person fascia lata harvest that is fast, safe, and easily mastered. Through a standard incision along the iliotibial band, the fascia lata is dissected from the underlying muscle, and with the use of a simple system of stainless steel plates, a tray, and 2 nonperforating towel clips, a large volume of fascia is harvested.

We have used this technique on 23 patients in the past 12 months, with good results. We have had fewer postoperative pain complaints and less seroma formation compared with the standard technique.

This technique requires only simple instrumentation and, because the harvesting is done by 1 person, it can proceed independently of the main operation, thus eliminating any added operative time and inconvenience. It reliably produces a large volume of high-quality fascia that can be used in a variety of neurosurgical procedures.