Use of Zipper Ratcheting Straps as a Bailout for Postoperative Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks: Our Experience

Technical note.

Management of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks is a challenge. Reexploration increases the morbidity risks. The main objective was to evaluate the outcomes of noninvasive zipper-like system (Zip surgical skin closure system, ZipLine Medical, Inc, Campbell, CA, USA) as a bailout technique for postoperative CSF leaks.

Retrospective case series. Consecutive patients with postoperative CSF leaks that occurred secondary to spinal surgeries performed between January 2017 and September 2018 were part of the study. All these patients were managed conservatively by reinforcement with zipper ratcheting straps over the sutured surgical wound. Successful clinical outcomes included cessation of CSF leaks and adequate wound healing in the postoperative period and at follow-up.

Ten patients underwent the application of zipper ratcheting straps. The mean follow-up was 6 months (range 6 months to 1 year). In 7 cases, the dural tears were recognized postoperatively and in 3 cases, the tears were noted intraoperatively and repaired and reinforced with fibrin sealants. None of the patients developed wound soakage or subsequent CSF leak from the wound after the application of zipper ratcheting straps.

Zipper ratcheting straps as augmentation to sewing of the wound seem to be a good alternative and bailout in treating patients with postoperative CSF leaks. The ease of its application, the ability in minimizing the complications associated with CSF leaks, and negating the need of surgical reexploration makes it a worthy option.