Page Summary
- A CSF leak occurs when fluid surrounding the brain passes through an opening into the nose or sinuses.
- Many skull base CSF leaks can be repaired endoscopically through the nose.
- The repair closes the opening and separates the nose and sinuses from the space around the brain.
- Identifying and addressing the cause of the leak helps reduce recurrence.
Endoscopic CSF Leak Repair
This procedure closes an opening at the skull base that is allowing cerebrospinal fluid to leak into the nose. It's done fully through the nostrils.
What happens during treatment?
The leak is located first. In some cases, fluorescein dye may be given through a needle in the lower back to help identify the exact site of the leak during surgery.
A small piece of tissue or suitable material is used to close the site of the leak. This may come from inside the nose, from another site in the body, or from an external graft material. It is used to seal the opening in the skull base and stop the fluid from leaking.
Recovery
Hospital stay is usually short for monitoring. After surgery, temporary precautions and restrictions are needed to protect the repair. These are explained in more detail on the Recovery After Skull Base Surgery page.
Expected outcomes
Repair success rates are high in most patients, but they may vary depending on the size and location of the defect. Identifying and treating the cause of the leak, such as increased pressure around the brain, may also help reduce the chance of recurrence.
Smoking and surgery
Stopping smoking is strongly recommended for at least 4 weeks before surgery and 4 weeks afterward. Smoking increases the risk of breathing and anesthesia-related complications, infection, and delayed healing. If your surgery is sooner, stopping now is still beneficial.