Author(s)

Hosam Shata, Mahmoud Saad^*, Ahmed Nageeb Taha

Neurosurgery Department, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.

Background: Post-craniotomy CSF collection is a problem that may cause severe complications as meningitis, wound disruption, prolonged hospitalization, and additional surgeries. Objective: To evaluate our cases with resistant post-operative subgaleal CSF collection, trying to identify causes and optimal management. Methods: Retrospective review of elective skull base cases during the period of January 2104 to January 2019 identification of cases with post-operative CSF subgaleal collection, which either managed conservatively or needed a second surgery. Results: 219 patients, 30 of them suffered subgaleal CSF collection, 22 patients improved with non-operative measures, eight patients needed second surgery with pericranial graft augmentation, and obliteration of subgaleal space resulted in resolution of CSF leak with no morbidities. Conclusion: Meticulous tensionless dural closure, obliteration of subgaleal space, tethering of dural grafts to bone edges are useful techniques in preventing post-operative CSF leak.

Subgaleal, CSF, Post-Operative, Dural Repair, Craniotomy

Shata, H. , Saad, M. and Taha, A. (2020) Management of Post-Craniotomy Persistent CSF Subgaleal Collection in Skull Base Procedures: Local Experience. Open Journal of Modern Neurosurgery, 10, 114-121. doi: 10.4236/ojmn.2020.101012.