Retrospective Analysis of Transnasal Endoscopic CSF Rhinorrhea Repair in a Tertiary Care Centre

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Otolaryngology
• Medical Engineering

Background:

• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, an abnormal leakage of CSF from the nose, can lead to serious complications like meningitis.
• Transnasal endoscopic repair has emerged as a preferred surgical technique for managing CSF rhinorrhea.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes and efficacy of transnasal endoscopic repair for cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea.
• To identify common etiologies and leak sites in patients undergoing this procedure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 81 patients who underwent transnasal endoscopic CSF rhinorrhea repair over 11 years.
• Diagnosis confirmed via biochemical and radiological investigations.
• Multilayer graft technique used for endoscopic repair, with a 6-month follow-up period.

Main Results:

• The most frequent cause was spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea (60.49%), with higher incidence in individuals with BMI > 25.5 kg/m2.
• Cribriform plate (58.02%) and fovea ethmoidalis (12.35%) were the most common leak locations.
• An overall success rate of 96.30% was achieved, with low recurrence and high patient satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Transnasal endoscopic repair is a highly successful treatment for CSF rhinorrhea, offering advantages such as improved visualization, reduced complications, and quicker recovery.
• The technique demonstrates a low recurrence rate and high patient satisfaction, supporting its widespread adoption in surgical practice.