Extracranial repair of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea

There has been a recent renewal of interest in the extracranial repair of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea because of the relatively high morbidity associated with the transcranial approach. The authors describe an extracranial approach that involves packing of the sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses on the side of the CSF leak. A case of successful treatment of CSF rhinorrhea by this method is presented. The extracranial approach may be advantageous for the repair of CSF rhinorrhea and the authors advocate an increase in its utilization by neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists working as a team.