Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
06:59
Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
Published on: February 29, 2020
Transmastoid approach to temporal bone cerebrospinal fluid leaks
Sepehr Oliaei1, Hossein Mahboubi, Hamid R Djalilian
1Division of Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92868, USA.
American Journal of Otolaryngology
|March 6, 2012
Summary
Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks from the temporal bone can be successfully treated using a transmastoid (TM) approach, avoiding craniotomy and lumbar drains. This method offers effective repair for various defect sizes and numbers.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage from the temporal bone presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
- Common symptoms include otitis media, otorrhea post-tympanostomy tube placement, and meningitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate presentations and treatment options for spontaneous CSF leaks originating in the temporal bone.
- To assess the efficacy of surgical interventions for temporal bone CSF fistulas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical data and imaging for 15 patients (18 ears) with spontaneous temporal bone CSF leaks.
- Surgical repair included mastoidectomy with fat obliteration, middle fossa approaches, or transmastoid (TM) approaches.
- Follow-up averaged 13.5 months, with persistent CSF leak as the primary outcome measure.
Main Results:
- Successful surgical repair was achieved in 17 of 18 cases.
- The transmastoid (TM) approach alone was used in the last 9 patients, with no treatment failures.
- Presenting symptoms varied, with serous otitis media, persistent otorrhea, and meningitis being most common.
Conclusions:
- The transmastoid (TM) approach provides successful outpatient repair for temporal bone cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks.
- This method effectively addresses defects regardless of size or number, eliminating the need for craniotomy or lumbar drains.
