Cerebrospinal Fluid Fistula for the Craniofacial Surgeon: A Review and Management Paradigm

Craniofacial surgeons perform operations that involve exposure of the dura. Typical procedures include cranial vault remodeling (CVR), fronto-orbital advancement (FOA), Le Fort III, monobloc, bipartition advancement, or distraction. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas remain one of the most common complications encountered, occurring in up to 30% of patients. Cerebrospinal fluid fistulas can be encountered intraoperatively, acutely, or in the late postoperative period. Traditional management has been well described in the neurosurgical literature. While several studies of complications exist, there is a relative lack of adequate information for craniofacial surgeons. The authors review current literature and provide 3 patients to illustrate our management paradigm.The authors review 30 years of experience at our institution and the pertinent literature. The mean rate of CSF fistula was 11.2%; rates were lowest for FOA/CVR, 5.5%. Patients with fistulas persisting after 2 days of conservative therapy or whom were symptomatic prompted placement of a lumbar subarachnoid catheter. Failure of the leak to resolve with CSF diversion prompted exploration and therapy which could include a patch, pericranial flap, and/or endonasal repair with septal flaps. Three patients are used to illustrate the paradigm, all of which have had no recurrence thus far.Cerebrospinal fluid fistula remains one of most common complications craniofacial surgeons encounter. Although neurosurgeons are often part of the clinical team, the craniofacial surgeon should be familiar with all aspects of treatment. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate knowledgeable management may avoid morbidity and mortality.