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Published on: March 19, 2018
Cerebrospinal fluid leakage after turbinate submucosal diathermy: an unusual complication
Abdulaziz H Abobotain1, Abdulrazag Ajlan, Saad Alsaleh
1Dr. Abdulaziz Abobotain, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine,, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451,, Saudi Arabia, abdulazizalbabtain@gmail. com, ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000.0002-6343-7643.
Abstract:
Submucosal diathermy of the inferior turbinate (SMDIT) is a generally safe procedure to control inferior turbinate hypertrophy. We present a case of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak at the craniocervical junction after SMDIT done in another institution. A 27-year-old man presented 3 weeks after undergoing SMDIT with signs and symptoms of meningitis and postnasal rhinorrhea. Nasal endoscopy and imaging revealed a nasopharyngeal CSF fistula at the craniocervical junction. Transnasal endoscopic repair and reconstruction was performed with no recurrence on repeat imaging and clinical follow up. We describe the first reported case in the literature of an iatrogenic CSF fistula caused by SMDIT, an unusual and potentially fatal complication, and its surgical management.
Similar Cases Published:
0
Conflict Of Interest:
None.
Insights
Submucosal diathermy of the inferior turbinate (SMDIT) can cause rare cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. This case highlights a CSF fistula at the craniocervical junction after SMDIT, emphasizing the need for awareness and proper surgical management.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Submucosal diathermy of the inferior turbinate (SMDIT) is a common procedure for inferior turbinate hypertrophy.
- While generally safe, rare complications can occur.
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