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Published on: February 29, 2020
Surgical Treatment for Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Patients With Inner Ear Malformations
Emilie Bois1, Sophie Demondion1, Monique Elmaleh2
1Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to present our technique of surgical closure in a series of patients suffering from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak due to inner ear malformations.
Study Design And Setting:
We conducted a retrospective study in our tertiary care academic department of pediatric otolaryngology.
Patients:
We did include all patients who presented a CSF leak or bacterial meningitis (one episode or recurrent) related to a malformation of the inner ear.
Intervention(S):
Through a retro-auricular or endaural approach we performed a filling of the vestibule cavity with multiple fragments of cartilage with perichondrium introduced through the oval window, after stapedectomy until a near-complete sealing was obtained. After the surgery, all patients received a treatment with acetazolamide during 15 days.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
We did evaluate our technics with the recurrence of CSF leak.
Results:
Thirteen patients, from 1 to 14, were operated with our technics. With a follow-up of 4.4 ± 4.7 years, only one patient needed a second intervention. None had a novel episode of meningitis. We observed no complication. The leak was observed in the oval fossa in 11 cases.
Conclusions:
Our "minimally invasive" technique of vestibular obliteration with cartilage inserted through the oval window after stapedectomy did demonstrate its safety and reliability.
