Introduction: Cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSFL) and subsequent intradural infection represent common complication after vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery. The main problem is realistic watertight closure of dural incision. The aim of the work was to show the effective closure of all CSFL in the immediate postoperative period and minimally invasive method for its management and prevention of all infectious complications.
Methods: All diagnosed lateral variants of CSFL with epidural CSF collection were managed with puncture, complete aspiration with or without tissue glue injection, and wound compression. Medial variant of CSFL were managed with reoperation.
There was a retrospective analysis of all 333 patients undergoing retrosigmoid-transmeatal (RSA) sporadic VS microsurgery between 1997 and 2012 (90% grade III and grade IV tumors; all but 1 case were radically removed). During the surgery drilled internal auditory canal and opened pneumatic system of temporal bone were sealed with muscle plug and tissue glue. Dura was closed first. Bony flap and pate were used for craniotomy defect closure. Cefalosporin 3rd generation were used perioperatively.
Results: Lateral variant of CSFL with epidural CSF collection occurred in 208 cases (62,5%). 208 cases had puncture, aspiration with eventual tissue glue injection (84 cases, 1-6 applications) and wound compression. Medial variant of CSFL occurred in 2 cases (0.6%) and were managed with wound re-exploration and CSFL sealing. During the period of 1-15 years none of the 333 operated patients had wound, intracranial infection or meningitis.
Conclusions: Postoperative infection in case of VS RSA microsurgery is avoidable in the vast majority of cases. The relatively conservative management of lateral CSFL with postoperative puncture, complete aspiration and tissue glue injection into the pseudomeningocoele solves this problem. It does not need any lumbar drainage, shunts or wound revision. Only the rare medial variant of CSFL needs surgical intervention for its management.
Patient Care: Minimally invasive and effective management of postoperative lateral variant of cerebrospinal fluid leak shortens hospitalisation and decreases morbidity following vestibular schwannoma microsurgery.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants should be able to prevent and manage all variants of cerebrospinal fluid leaks following retrosigmoid vestibular schwannoma microsurgery.