Impact of Postural Changes on Sinonasal Pressure After Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery

Postoperative management following endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) is important to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leak and preserve the integrity of the nasoseptal flap. No consensus regarding an optimal posture in the postoperative period has been established. We hypothesized that sinonasal pressure (SNP) can represent intracranial pressure affecting the sellar floor in the absence of the sellar bone after surgery. This study provides evidence for the effect of postural changes and recommends optimal posture to reduce SNP following EES.

The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 50 patients who underwent reconstruction for skull base defects with nasoseptal flap after EES for resection of suprasellar tumor between March 2020 and August 2020. The Spiegelberg intracranial pressure probe was placed through the nostril over the nasoseptal flap. SNPs were measured in Fowler' (45° tilt) and supine positions, respectively, daily for the first 3 days immediately after EES.

For the first 3 days after surgery, the mean SNP in Fowler' position (24.82 mmHg; standard deviation, 12.23 mmHg) was lower than that in the supine position (28.42 mmHg; standard deviation, 12.33 mmHg) (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in mean SNP for age, sex, tumor size, presence of hydrocephalus, and body mass index.

There was a significant correlation between Fowler' position and a decrease in SNP measurements. Placing a patient in Fowler' position after surgery can decrease the SNP. We recommend that patients should be placed in a Fowler' position as an optimal position after surgery.