Endoscopic repair of lateral sphenoid recess cerebrospinal fluid leaks

Endoscopic repair of anterior cranial base has been widely reported. However there is still no uniformity in the technique of endoscopic repair of lateral sphenoid cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. To highlight the management of CSF leak or encephalocele in the lateral sphenoid recess and relate our experiences. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all our patients who underwent an endoscopic repair of CSF leaks in the lateral sphenoid recess during the period from September 2003 to January 2010 at our tertiary hospital. Fifteen cases with CSF leaks/encephalocele that were repaired by the endoscopic approach were included. The majority of our cases were spontaneous leaks. In all our cases we approached the site of defect by an end on approach. All our patients were successfully treated in the first attempt. Endoscopic repair of lateral sphenoid recess has shown better surgical outcome with reduced morbidity.